Unlock Your Potential: Master Clear Writing for Success
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Chapter 1: The Journey to Effective Communication
Are you ready to transform your professional life? A brighter future is on the horizon. After years spent honing my legal expertise, I discovered that true excellence in performance often lies in mastering communication skills, a revelation I wish to share with you. This article is part of a five-part series focused on essential skills for effective workplace communication.
- Write Clearly and Simply (this article)
- Conquer the Email Overload (Write Better Emails Today)
- Avoid Unproductive Meetings (Maybe Don’t Go to that Meeting)
- Influence Others (Persuade Like Aristotle)
- Engage Effectively (Listen Up Already)
If you want to impress your colleagues with your newfound intelligence, focus on communicating in plain language that everyone can grasp.
The Communication Challenge for Lawyers
Lawyers are often seen as poor communicators, and this advice is particularly relevant for legal professionals. Why is this the case? Simply put, our non-legal peers often expect us to be confusing and to use overly complicated language. By presenting clear and straightforward messages, you will not only be understood but also perceived as exceptionally astute.
Consider how laypeople gauge the competence of lawyers. They might consider factors such as:
- The quality of your attire
- Your billing rate compared to others
- Your prestigious educational background
- Your responsiveness to calls
- Your ability to communicate clearly
For many years, I believed that being responsive was the key to generating goodwill among colleagues, and while it is important, it’s not sufficient for establishing a reputation for intelligence.
In-house lawyers should never rely on superficial factors since they can create barriers to building rapport with business colleagues. As Machiavelli suggested, while it may be better to be feared than loved, being liked is a valuable middle ground. Thus, your path to professional success lies in becoming an effective communicator.
Five Rules for Clear Writing
To help you improve your writing, I propose five essential rules for clarity:
Prioritize Understanding Over Completeness
After investing years in becoming a legal expert, resist the urge to display all your knowledge. Focus on the most relevant scenario and convey it simply. Use straightforward language, eliminate unnecessary words, and favor short sentences and paragraphs.
Kindness Trumps Precision
Tailor your message to your audience’s needs. Determine the necessary level of detail for your readers. If some may desire more in-depth information, consider providing it later in the document or in an appendix.
Lead with the Conclusion
Make your concluding sentence your opening statement. This approach demonstrates strong communication skills, even if it contrasts with typical legal reasoning.
Favor Active Voice Over Passive
Ensure every sentence has a clear subject to avoid ambiguity. The passive voice can dull your writing and make it harder for readers to understand your message. Practice identifying and revising passive constructions for clarity.
Editing Is Key
Remember that even seasoned writers don’t always produce perfect drafts. The real secret to effective communication lies in reviewing and refining your work. By applying these five rules during the editing process, you will significantly enhance your writing quality.
By following these guidelines, you can elevate your writing skills, leaving your colleagues impressed by your sudden brilliance.
Be well.
PS — I was inspired by two excellent resources on clear writing: The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Plain English Handbook and Scott Adams’ blog, The Day You Became A Better Writer.
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Chapter 2: Learning from Experts
This video, "The Day You Became a Better Writer -- Writing Tips from Dilbert Creator Scott Adams," provides valuable insights into enhancing your writing skills and communication style.
In this video, "The Day You Became a Better Writer," you will discover practical advice to improve your writing and become a more effective communicator.