Just Say No to These Three Enemies of Clear and Direct Writing
I love CopyBlogger. He writes about copy writing in a clear, concise and elegant way. His latest post is no exception. Some highlights:
1. Just Say No to Metadiscourse
Metadiscourse is writing about writing and is almost always extraneous and unnecessary. Examples of metadiscourse would be: “to sum up,” “candidly,” “I believe,” “note that,” “it has become clear,” and “I would like to point out.”
An example of a sentence rife with metadiscourse:
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend to you a hearty congratulations.”
The metadiscourse here is basically the entire sentence. There’s no need to tell the person what you’re about to do–just do it. Your whole point is to offer congratulations to someone. Don’t bury it under a bunch of filler. Just say:
“Congratulations!” Simple, clear, and direct.
Click below and read the rest of it. Excellent.
Just Say No to These Three Enemies of Clear and Direct Writing
Category: Latest Updates 3 comments »
April 1st, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Good idea! < – straight and to the point
vs
I would like to say this is a good idea! You know that I was thinking of implementing this style but I always have the problem of wanting to change my wording to fit what I think the reader could relate too. But I agree short and straight to the point seems the best way. I mean shoot which answer to this post do you like better? This paragraph or comment?!
December 16th, 2011 at 4:59 am
Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.
Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.
December 16th, 2011 at 5:00 am
However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names.
The smallest courtesies along the rough roads of life are like the little birds that sing to us all winter long, and make that season of ice and snow more endurable.