WRITE WITH MORE IMPACT WITH THIS SIMPLE TWEAK

I want to share a tip with you. It's simple.... but packs a punch. ??

It's something I initially learnt about a decade ago. In the Corporate world. But I never took it on at the time.?

Don't make the same mistake? ?? Learn from my experience.?

To set the scene, one week one of my direct reports did an Effective Writing Course. Then the day after the course, she shared what she’d learnt.

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One of them was to >>> Shorten your sentences.?

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Now, at the time, I distinctly remember thinking:

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"That couldn’t possibly make much difference......!"

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So, I never took on that advice.

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However, multiple experiences over the last 5 years have proven this tip works.

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So it’s something I now swear by. And I think you should too.?

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Keep reading, so I can share what those experiences were:

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Experience #1 - Completing a Copywriting Course

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A few years ago I did a Copywriting Course called ‘The Copy Cure’. It had heaps of tips for how to write more effectively and persuasively.

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Whilst it was geared for people who write for a living (i.e. Copywriters), it was still insanely relevant and useful for anyone who relies on written communication (i.e. All of us!).

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So, what do you think was one of their HOT tips!?

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>>> Eliminating unnecessary words!!!

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However, this time they gave examples to bring this tip to life. By seeing their before and after examples (of long winded sentences vs short punchy sentences) it was SO clear to me that they were right.

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Experience #2 - Analysing TED Talk Transcripts

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Not long after I took that course, I remember analysing the transcripts of some of the most popular TED Talks. To decode the techniques they were using, the themes I could see emerging, what they were avoiding, etc.

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Well, what do you think I noticed about the most impactful closings!?

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>>> They used short, punchy sentences!!

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Experience #3 - Posting & Consuming Content on X

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Over the last couple of years I’ve used X (previously known as Twitter) a lot to share tips and lessons learnt. Side note: If you’re on X and would like to connect you can find me here.

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You know what it’s taught me? Through reading impactful Tweets from others and also analysing the ones of mine which do really well?

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>>> People love something short & simple.

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It’s why quotes resonate so much and are so memorable.?

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Experience #4 – Using the Grammarly Tool

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Lastly, I tried out the tool Grammarly the year before last. It’s a tool that suggests improvements to your writing. E.g. Spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes and ways to improve readability.

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Any surprises what technique they suggested the most?

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>>> Breaking longer sentences into shorter ones!!

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So……. It’s should come as no surprise that I am now VERY MUCH on-board with the power of shortening my sentences.

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If I want to make my writing more impactful, I always come back and edit it. Whether it’s an email, article, social media post or sales page.

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How Do I Shorten Sentences?

1. Combine words (E.g. Instead of 'Here is' or 'I would', change it to 'Here's' or I'd', as that's how we speak)
2. Remove unnecessary words (E.g. Actually, just, etc)
3. Split a long sentence up
4. Reword them completely

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Here’s an example from my own writing, to bring this to life:

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EXAMPLE (BEFORE VS AFTER)

If you want what you say to be able to be used by an audience member, a key aspect of this is that they can actually remember what you’ve said in the first place.

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Information isn’t useful to someone if it can’t be recalled.

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IN SUMMARY

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Next time you’re writing something important - review what you’ve written.

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If you find any long-winded sentences – shorten them.

Your writing will be more concise. As a result you'll have more impact!

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Surely, when it counts, that’s worth it - right!?

Cheers,

Emily

P.S. Like this Newsletter? Help me impact more people by sharing it with your colleagues and friends.

Emily Edgeley is a Public Speaking Coach for the Technology industry. Since 2017 she’s run over 280 group coaching sessions, coached more than 250 people privately, and formally supported first time and experienced speakers at 10 Conferences. Covering 1000+ people across the globe.?

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She’s on a mission to help anyone in the Tech arena learn how to speak with clarity, impact, and confidence. To boost their brand, career & influence.

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