4 Ways to Cut the Clutter From Your Business Writing Part 2 of 2 by Dianna Booher
Channel: Dianna Booher - Communication Strategist & Author
Date: 2013-05-16

http://www.booherresearch.com  1-817-283-2333
Executive Communication Expert Dianna Booher

Prime the Pump With "What I Really Want to Say Is..."
Once you decide what comes out and what goes in, concise phrasing can become challenging.  In my experience in leading writing workshops, I've discovered that most people talk better than they write.  If you're one of those individuals, try squeezing out the unnecessary words with this starter sentence:  "What I really want to say is that..." and then finish the thought.  
Then circle back and delete the front part of that sentence.  What's left will be a clean-cut opening line:

Select Strong Verbs 
Don't spend two or three words to prop up a weak verb.  You'll recognize weak verbs in sentences that begin with there is, there are, it is, it was, they are.  And if you need an adverb (a word most often ending in --ly) to prop up the verb, grab a stronger verb to do the work.
 Not:    This campaign is an exciting incentive for our customers.  (9 words)
 But:     This campaign will excite our customers.  (6 words)
 Not:      The rep spoke loudly and showed disrespect to my father during the service call.  (14 words)
 But:       The rep yelled and cursed at my father during the service call.  (12 words)

Say It and Stop
Intentional repetition adds emphasis.  Unintentional repetition and unnecessary words obscure the message and add nothing but length.   

What are your techniques for spotting the clutter in your own writing?  Add your comments below.