Smart Brevity
Let’s zoom in closer and go from abstract theory to applicable practice with the 4Cs.
- Clear : Avoid ambiguity, be direct, and use simple words/sentences.
- Concise : Be brief.
- Cogent : Ensure your writing follows a logical, relevant sequence. Each point should naturally lead to the next, building a cohesive argument backed up by data, examples, and/o
Tom White • Why Less Is More When Pitching Yourself
Consider a few basic, macroscopic rules that will take your word and phrase from drab to fab:
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. I worked with X to design Y and Z which led to an uplift in $AM and B%” says a lot more than "I am a great designer.”
- Use Active Verbs : Active verbs make your writing flow dy
Tom White • Why Less Is More When Pitching Yourself
Your headline should attract and connect, your body copy should empathize and persuade, and your call to action should spell out the specific action you’d like them to take next.
Liam Veitch • Stop Thinking Like a Freelancer
“The trick to writing well is to...
– take long sentences and make them short
– take confusing ideas and make them clear
– take unrelated concepts and make them related
...without losing the main idea in the process.”
– take long sentences and make them short
– take confusing ideas and make them clear
– take unrelated concepts and make them related
...without losing the main idea in the process.”