#1 Rule: You must learn the rules to break them.

  • Delete the word "that". Most of the time, you don't need it.
  • Delete adverbs. Words that end in -ly are often unnecessary descriptions. Less adversb equals stronger writing.
  • Re-write. And if you can't re-write, put the first draft aside and write the whole thing again. The best parts of version 1 will find their way into version 2.
  • Just hit 'publish.'
  • Ignore word count. Focus on impact.
  • 1/3/1 sequence: first and last sentence is 'candy'; the middle paragraph is where the value is.
  • Use niche language when writing for a niche audience. Otherwise, use general langauge.
  • Delete opening phrases that start with "I".
  • Delete needless word chunks like:
    • "If it is..."
    • "So as to..."
    • "The fact that..."
  • Experiment with writing via different UXs (handwritten, computer, etc.)
  • Make the first sentence short, strong, and declarative
  • Don't use semicolons (most readers don't know what they mean).
  • Prep the page. Don't just stare at a blank document: label it, outline it, write your first sentence, outline your subheads -- build a skeleton.
  • Increase your ideas-per-word. The more ideas packed into the less words makes for potent writing.
  • Make the last word in a sentence the most important.
  • Write in an active voice. An active voice has a subject that acts on its verb.
  • Vary sentence length. Why? Read this and you'll understand.
  • Be mindful of how you use 'you' and 'we'.
  • Keep paragraphs less than 7 lines. Break paragraphs often. Each new idea deserves a new paragraph.
  • Be concise
  • Write to express, not impress.

For business communication:

  • Use shorter than 30 words per sentence.
    • "Due to the fact that" --> "because"
    • "Totally lacked the ability to" --> "could not"
  • Replace adjectives with data.
    • "We made the platform much faster" --> we reduced server side tp90 latency from 10ms to 1ms
  • Eliminate weasel words.
    • Nearly all customers"
    • "Significantly better"
  • Does your writing pass the "so what" test?

My Favorite Writing Tips & Tricks