My 3 rules for effective writing

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. – George Bernard Shaw

Conveying thoughts or emotions with words is hard. Someone has to do the work. The writer or the reader.

In my constant struggle to write more effectively, I've devised 3 rules. I don't always follow them. But the pieces of writing I'm the most satisfied with usually do.

Rule 1: Clear > Accurate

If you’re scientifically minded, this may sound like terrible advice. Accuracy matters. It’s paramount!

But there's no point in deep diving into a subject if nobody can follow your thoughts.

Clarity beats accuracy any day.

Ironically, unclear writing is often the result of trying too hard to be accurate.

A bit like taking a long-exposed photo of a moving target.

So, be clear on what you’re trying to convey.

A clear message is the shortest path that takes your readers from A to B without losing them on the way.

It's harder than it sounds.

Writing is thinking out loud. On paper.

Clear writing requires clear thinking. And we're lousy thinkers.

It takes effort to distill a collection of vaguely coupled thoughts into a digestible message.

So don't expect yourself to be able to pull it off without a sweat.

Rule 2: Articulate > Grandiloquent

Complicated words look cool.

Long, intricate sentences make us look clever. Or so we believe.

They also do something else. They steer the reader's attention away from the message. They require effort to read. To follow.

I've committed this crime countless times. The victims of my early writings can attest. I still can’t resist throwing an obscure four-syllable word occasionally. But at least now, I'm aware of my malice.

Effective writing is about making sure that your readers' mostly depleted attention is spent on what matters.

If style matters to you, then so be it. Poetry exists for a reason.

Otherwise, focus on being articulate.

Being articulate is the ability to break down complex ideas into smaller, easier-to-follow logical blocks.

And create a flow that naturally connects these blocks.

We read like we follow a conversation. Flow is critical.

Flow is about direction and the right velocity.

Too slow, and we get bored.

Too fast, and we get lost.

As a rule of thumb, short sentences are your friend.

It took me years of conscious effort to learn how to use them. Today, I love them. I crave them. I’m armed with a razor. And I cut. Ruthlessly. You got the point.

Rule 3: Relatable > Remarkable

Our attention spans shorten every day. We're submerged by a constant flow of content produced by companies fighting for a share of our minds. Wanting to stand out is a logical strategy.

But without being relatable, remarkable communication is forgotten as quickly as it is noticed.

What's relatable?

Stories. Human experience.

Feelings and emotions.

Writing that is evocative.

I'd dare to say that the job of a writer is not to make you think. It's to make you feel.

Because we crave human connection, and the best way to connect is to feel the same way.

Next time you write something, ask yourself. What do you want your readers to feel? And is your writing achieving it?

Right now, I want you to feel regretful for never having thought about that.

Did I succeed?

Now, I want you to feel amused.

Kinda worked, right?

Now, I want you to feel annoyed.

I know it worked.

So that was my 3 rules for effective writing. Be clear, articulate, and relatable. The rest will take care of itself.

Now that I think of it. Did I follow my own rules on this one?

Let me know in the comments.