Writing - Techniques for Writing Concisely

Techniques for writing concisely include using short sentences, avoiding unnecessary words, using precise verbs, and writing in the active voice.

o writing concisely involves using four main techniques. These can help ensure your business writing has the maximum impact.

Techniques for writing concisely include using short sentences, avoiding unnecessary words, using precise verbs, and writing in the active voice.

In addition, it's worth remembering that sometimes an illustration or diagram can convey a message much more concisely than text.

For example, a flowchart can be an effective way of describing a process. This could save you from having to write pages of text and a reader from having to wade through them.

TECHNIQUES AND EXAMPLES

Technique	Explanation	Nonexample	Example
Write short sentences	Aim to keep sentences to a maximum length of 15 to 17 words.	It has come to my attention that in order to rectify our current computer problems I should make haste in contacting our IT Department.	We need to fix our computers, so I'm informing the IT Department as soon as possible.
Avoid unnecessary words	Avoid using unnecessary words that clutter sentences without adding to their meaning.	Please be advised that it has come to my attention that members of staff are unhappy about the additional amount of work.	I'm aware that staff is unhappy about the extra work.
Use precise verbs	Precise verbs make your writing more concise and less vague.	Our procedures exist to encourage accountability at every level.	Our procedures encourage accountability at every level.
Use active voice	It's generally best to use the active voice in business writing as passive voice can slow down a reader's understanding of a sentence.	Queries are directed to Jonathan by the Finance Department.	The Finance Department submits claims to Jonathan.

QUESTION

Which techniques can you use to make your writing more concise?

1. Avoid unnecessary words
2. Favor passive voice over active voice
3. Write short sentences
4. Use precise verbs
5. Try to use some vague verbs
6. Use the active voice

To maintain readers' interest and keep sentences as to the point as possible, it's important to remove any "empty" or unnecessary words. These include any words not required to convey your core message.

Although passive voice can be used in certain circumstances, active voice should be favored because it's more direct and concise.

It's best to keep sentences to an average length of 15 to 17 words, and to include just one main idea per sentence. Lengthy sentences are difficult for readers to interpret.

Using precise verbs gives your writing more impact and enables you to convey points directly and concisely.

Vague verbs do not assist in providing clarity in your message and these often leave your readers confused. Vague verbs should be replaced with precise verbs to convey your message concisely.

Sentences in the active voice are shorter, more direct, and easier to interpret than sentences in the passive voice.

I have been teaching and training agents, team leaders, supervisors, managers and admins of call centers and other businesses in BPO related fields. This series, comes as a result of that experience. I have more than 4,000 modules that I plan on sharing here. This is # 003-12

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