How to Become a Word Sniper

In response to one of my articles on writing, I received this criticism.

Ignoring the appalling punctuation, lack of structure, and completely ignorant assumption of my personal politics, this individual seems to think that short-form writing is for stupid people.

I wanted to take a moment and dissect this for all of you, so you can understand why I believe short-form writing is the way to go in 2024.

Let’s discuss…

Apparently, I’m an idiot for stating facts.

Many readers, in fact most readers of online content, tend to enjoy their daily articles on the go.

In fact, Medium is one of the go-to places that many readers get fascinating articles on every subject delivered straight to their cell phone for perusing while enjoying a cafe latte.

It’s much easier for these cafe latte drinking cell phone culturists to ingest their favorite stories in a short and compact, well written article.

We’re looking at around 60% of all web traffic coming from mobile devices as opposed to computers.

All of them seem to like articles they can read in about 3–7 minutes. Anything more and you lose readers.

The Soul of Wit

William Shakespeare famously quipped, “Brevity is the soul of wit.”

I’m guessing the most famous playwright that’s ever lived must be an idiot, too.

This timeless wisdom underscores the importance of precision in writing.

It isn’t about stripping down ideas to their bare bones, but rather, about enriching the reader’s experience by being precise and concise with our language.

Precision means selecting words that are sharp and clear, cutting through the noise to deliver a message that resonates deeply with the reader.

It’s about choosing the perfect word that encapsulates an idea without excess verbiage.

This precision not only respects the reader’s time but also elevates the content, making it more memorable and impactful.

The Path to Clarity

Concision in writing is the art of saying what needs to be said and no more.

It’s a skill that involves rigorous self-editing, constantly asking, “Is this necessary? Can this be said more simply?”

Concision isn’t about loss but about gain — gaining more engaged readers, clearer messages, and stronger impacts.

By eliminating redundancies, trimming the fat, and focusing on the core message, writers can illuminate their ideas more brightly in the reader’s mind.

Amplification Through Simplification

The pursuit of brevity in writing does not equate to a simplification of ideas.

Instead, it’s about amplifying the core message by stripping away anything that detracts from it.

This process requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, as only with comprehension can a writer distill complex ideas into their essence.

This distillation process enhances the reader’s experience by making sophisticated concepts accessible without sacrificing depth or nuance.

Engagement: The Ultimate Goal

At the heart of writing is the desire to connect with readers, to engage their minds and stir their emotions.

Brevity, precision, and concision are tools that, when wielded skillfully, can captivate an audience from the first word to the last.

Engagement isn’t just about holding attention; it’s about making every moment of the reader’s time meaningful and rewarding.

Delivering a potent dose of insight in a concise package is a gift that readers will appreciate and remember.

Becoming the Word Sniper

Achieving brevity in writing is an ongoing practice, a discipline that demands constant refinement. Here are a few strategies to hone your skills:

• Know Your Core Message: Before you begin writing, clarify the main idea you want to convey. This clarity will serve as a beacon, guiding your words.
• Be Ruthless in Editing: After drafting, scrutinize every word and sentence. If it doesn’t serve the core message or enhance the reader’s understanding, cut it.
• Use Active Voice: Active voice is more direct and vigorous than passive voice, making your writing more lively and engaging.
• Leverage Strong Verbs: Choose verbs that are specific and vivid. Strong verbs reduce the need for adverbs and make your sentences more dynamic.

The Art of Hitting Your Target

In the pursuit of brevity, we find the essence of effective communication.

It’s about respecting our readers, valuing their time, and providing them with writing that packs a punch.

By mastering the art of being precise and concise, we’re not simplifying our messages but refining them, ensuring that every word works hard to deliver insight and impact.

The art of brevity is, ultimately, the art of giving our readers the most valuable gift we can offer: understanding distilled into its most potent form.

Thanks for reading!

Hi, I'm Joe. I help creators share their unique voices simply and effectively. Here's how I can help you:

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