For better writing, turn it up to 11

Most writing is boring as hell. Presentations too. They put you to sleep. Or cause you to zone out and forget what was even said. Sometimes that’s because the author uses a monotone voice, attempting to adhere so strictly to conventional grammatical rules that they fail to make their words into music that vibrates your eardrums and captures your soul. Sometimes it’s because their message is so weak or stated in such a feeble manner, so conventional or so respectful of convention, so concerned with not offending anyone who might glance at the page, that the author effectively takes no stance at all. Often, it’s both.?

Unfortunately, it seems that many people have been misled about what truly makes an exceptional piece of writing. Bamboozled! A great piece of writing sticks it to the reader. And, as a result, it sticks with them after they turn the page.??

When I write, I prefer to provide strong points of view rather than hedging my opinions and arguments. That's true even if I'm not actually 100% certain of my opinion. I go all in, at least for that piece.?

This gives the reader something to react to, sticks in their mind, and is more entertaining than reading some boring nuanced article. You don't necessarily know what I believe, you know what I've written. And what I write is as much about drawing certain reactions from the reader as it is providing information. If no reaction happens, if the reader is not transformed in some way, then I've wasted my time and theirs.

Writing is art. And it should be provocative.?

Perhaps you think I'm wrong. “The issues are complicated. They require a thorough treatment with all the facts to express the subtle nuance of the argument. We must have a rational discussion. We should draw conclusions from logical deductio…” Oh, fuck! I fell asleep writing it!

Writing that matters, writing that transforms, requires you to dial up the intensity. Turn those amps to 11. Push past what feels "appropriate" or "professional" and write something unforgettable.

Here's a simple framework:

First, pick a damn side. Any side. I don't care if you're writing about software architecture, business strategy, or sandwich recipes—take a strong position. Declare that microservices are destroying developer productivity. Proclaim that anyone who puts lettuce before tomato is committing culinary crimes. Whatever you do, stop trying to acknowledge every possible perspective until your message drowns in a sea of "on the other hands."? Also, the reader will invariably water down your message anyway; if you want them to end up at 6 out of 10, then you need to give it to them at 11.

Second, write like you talk when you're passionate. You know those moments when you're explaining something you deeply care about to a friend? When your hands start moving, your voice rises, and the words flow naturally? That's your authentic voice. Use it. Your readers can feel the difference between corporate-speak and real passion.

Third, break the rules on purpose. Disregard and discard them. Starting sentences with "And" or "But"? Do it. Short, punchy sentences? Hell yes. Fragment? Absolutely. Then, follow it up with a long flowing sentence, a sentence that some people would say is too long, but one that has the rhythm of a guitar solo in a 70s rock song and that, by extension, makes your words flow like lyrics and makes the reader imagine you onstage with the flowing hair and unshakeable charisma of Robert Plant. The rules of grammar exist to serve clarity, not strangle it. When breaking them makes your message more powerful, do it.

Finally, mediocre writing plays it safe. Even worse, mediocre thinking plays it safe. Great writing takes risks. It pisses some people off. It makes others stand up and cheer. But it never, ever leaves anyone feeling nothing.

Writing this way feels dangerous. Especially in professional contexts, we're trained to sand down our edges, to speak in the passive voice, to hedge every statement until it's meaningless. But if nobody remembers what you wrote, why take the time to write it at all?

Your readers' attention is a precious gift. Don't waste it with lukewarm takes and gutless bullshit. Give them something real. Something raw. Something that makes them think, feel, and maybe see the world a little differently.

That's writing that matters. That's writing that sticks. That's writing turned up to 11.