Concise is Nice
Sure, your reports may have the correct punctuation and grammar, but are they really getting your point across?
In an effort to make the report dynamic and engaging, it’s possible that you’ve lost clarity by adding flowery language or too many metaphors.
So how do you find a balance?
Well, writing concisely takes practice but it’s worth the effort. Not only will you be able to save your reader some time, but you’ll get your message across without creating confusion.
Want to try it? Practice some of the tips listed below and soon you’ll be on your way to becoming an effective writer.
Use the active voice whenever possible.
Passive Voice: The pie was eaten by Grace.
Active Voice: Grace ate the pie.
The active voice may seem direct, but this style of writing is preferred in professional settings.
Watch out for adverbs!
An adverb is used to describe how you did something. (Example: Grace quickly ate the pie.)
While a few well-placed adverbs are harmless, adding too many can exhaust your reader. So be mindful of how many you’re using.
Don’t be redundant.
Again, don’t add unnecessary words. If you wanted to be more specific in your sentence, you might say that, “Grace ate the orange-colored pie.”
However, we can assume that most people know that orange is a color. Therefore, you should simplify it by saying that “Grace ate the orange pie.”
Steer clear of clichés.
Clichés are words and phrases that are so overused that they lose their impact, even though they may be true. These include phrases like, “head over heels,” “work like a dog,” or “right as rain.”
Make your writing complete.
Ensure that you’ve included all the important elements of your writing. Does it answers these questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how?
Be concise, but make sure to say everything you need to say.
Still not getting your point across? Try using visual aids by creating a presentation with Microsoft PowerPoint.
You can learn all about ways to communicate your ideas through PowerPoint by enrolling in end user classes at 360training.com. We have courses for all levels!