Writing Masterclass: 10x your engagement by making your words easier to read
A members'-only mini-course to level up your online writing
Is your writing understandable?
If it's awkward and convoluted, your readers will stop reading, let alone provide you with that much-needed and validating engagement.
Here is how to improve your engagement by making your writing more straightforward and, therefore, more enjoyable to read…
1 .Cut out redundant words and phrases.
When we're in the 'writing without thinking about it too much' phase of our writing process, it's understandable that you'd write more than will appear in the final written presentation.
One of the things that can be missed when editing, probably because it 'seems right' on re-reading, is redundant words. Here are some examples:
His style evolved over time. NO
His style evolved. YES
She grinned happily. NO
She grinned. YES
The book he chose was the largest in size. NO
The book he chose was the largest. YES
See what we're doing? We're cutting out words that are simply unnecessary because the intended meaning is already there without their presence.
A writer's job is to convey meaning in as few words as needed.
Otherwise, you are adding more unnecessary work for the reader.
When the reader has more work to do, you are essentially diminishing your service as a writer.