Editing for brevity is a skill that every journalist needs to master, especially in the digital age where readers have short attention spans and limited time. But how can you trim your words without sacrificing the clarity, accuracy and impact of your content? Here are some tips and techniques to help you write concise and compelling stories.
The first step to edit for brevity is to eliminate any unnecessary or redundant words, phrases or sentences that do not add value to your message. This includes filler words, clichés, jargon, vague modifiers, passive voice, repetitions and long-winded explanations. For example, instead of writing "due to the fact that", you can simply write "because". Instead of writing "a large number of people", you can write "many people". Instead of writing "in order to", you can write "to". By cutting the fluff, you can save space and make your writing more clear and direct.
It is easy to fall prey to the misconception that great content needs complex structures and sophisticated words. Actual great content is easy to understand and engage with, so focus on the information that is actually relevant to whoever is going to read it. Working with mobile platforms for many years taught me that it is usually possible to condense textual content by up to 50% from its initial draft. Keep in mind that every added word extends the time required for comprehension, making an already heavy cognitive load even more burdensome.
The second step to edit for brevity is to identify and prioritize the most important information that your readers need to know. This means answering the basic questions of who, what, when, where, why and how in the first few sentences of your story, and then providing relevant details and evidence to support them. You can use the inverted pyramid structure to organize your content from the most to the least important, and use subheadings, bullet points and short paragraphs to break it down into digestible chunks. You can also use the 5W1H method to check if you have covered all the essential aspects of your story.
The third step to edit for brevity is to choose the right words to convey your meaning and tone. This means using specific and concrete nouns, verbs and adjectives that describe your subject accurately and vividly, rather than vague and abstract ones that leave room for interpretation or confusion. For example, instead of writing "a vehicle", you can write "a car", "a truck" or "a bike". Instead of writing "very good", you can write "excellent", "outstanding" or "superb". By using precise and powerful words, you can create a stronger impression and a more engaging voice.
The fourth step to edit for brevity is to rewrite and revise your draft until you are satisfied with the final version. This means reading your story aloud, checking for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors, and asking for feedback from others. You can also use tools like word count, readability score and editing software to help you measure and improve your writing quality. You can also apply the KISS principle (Keep It Simple and Straightforward) and the Hemingway test (Write like Ernest Hemingway) to challenge yourself to write with fewer and simpler words.
The fifth step to edit for brevity is to balance it with completeness. This means ensuring that you have not left out any crucial information or context that your readers need to understand and appreciate your story. You also need to consider the purpose, audience and format of your story, and adjust your word limit accordingly. For example, a breaking news story may require a shorter and faster approach than a feature story. A blog post may allow more flexibility and personality than a press release. By balancing brevity and completeness, you can achieve the optimal length and quality of your story.
The sixth and final step to edit for brevity is to practice and learn from your own and others' writing. This means writing regularly, reading widely, analyzing examples and seeking feedback. You can also learn from the best practices and tips of professional journalists and editors, and apply them to your own work. By practicing and learning, you can hone your editing skills and develop your own style and voice.