The power of clear business writing
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I am a 20+ year business writing veteran with a love for exposition and poetry. I strive to show up authentically wherever I am online. These writing styles have taught me the importance of clarity.
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AI Input ••• | Knowledge Level ••• | Version No. v2.0: AI usage in landscape digital art. Expert knowledge level on this topic. Second iteration of this concept.
The myth of a single voice in business writing
There’s a myth in corporate communications that one brand voice can serve all purposes. That we can craft a singular, perfect message that speaks to everyone equally. I call this the “singularity myth,” and it’s why so much business writing sounds like it was generated by the same tired algorithm, failing the first principle of clear business writing.
AI Generated.
Why we use corporate jargon (and why it hinders communication)
We’ve all seen it: the unnecessary embodiment of “use” into “leverage,” “now” into “at this juncture,” “help” into “enable strategic outcomes.” This is a sort of linguistic inflation – a key feature of corporate jargon – where words multiply while meaning gets more obtuse.
AI Generated.
Write with precision: lessons from poetry for clear business writing
What if we approached our business writing more like poetry? Not in the sense of flowery language, but in the discipline of choosing each word with intention. In poetry, every syllable must earn its place. Every word must pull its weight. Applying this discipline is key to achieving impactful clear business writing.
AI Generated.
Clarity over complexity: why simple business writing is more effective
The myth tells us that complexity equals professionalism. That more words mean more authority. But the opposite is true: clarity is the ultimate sophistication. When we strip away the unnecessary, we create space for genuine connection.
Examples: escaping linguistic inflation
Consider how “We help you win” becomes “Our solutions enable stakeholder success through strategic implementation.”
The first speaks human to human. The second speaks committee to keyword scanner. This focus on concise communication through clear and concise language is a key aspect of effective brand strategy.
Do this – don’t do that! Consider another common example:
Instead of: “We must leverage synergies to optimize core competencies.” Try: “We need to work together to get better.”
Clear alternatives…sometimes there just is no substitute.
Finding your authentic voice through concise communication
Breaking free from the singularity myth means accepting that different audiences need different voices. That authenticity is more important than uniformity. That sometimes the most professional thing you can do is sound like an actual person. Sometimes the right word isn’t the safest one. Readers deserve concise communication that respects their time and intelligence.
Actionable tips for instantly clearer writing
While embracing the poetic mindset helps, here are a few practical steps you can take right now to cut the BS from your business writing:
1. Use concrete + specific language.
Ground your ideas in tangible details. Instead of vague terms like “optimizing solutions,” describe what is being improved and how. Use sensory details or specific examples where appropriate to make your point resonate. Think show, don’t (just) tell.
2. Vary sentence structure & rhythm.
Monotonous sentence patterns lull readers (or signal robotic writing). Mix short, impactful sentences with longer, more explanatory ones. Reading your work aloud helps you hear the rhythm + identify areas that drag/or feel clunky.
3. Choose more vivid words.
Does the word earn its place, as in poetry? While avoiding hyperbole, choose adjectives, nouns, and verbs that are vivid and precise. Find a word that captures the specific quality you mean.
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