You Have to Do What's Write

Oct 4

I saw this post on Akkam‚Äôs Razor about writing for clarity and crispness. It’s an interesting reminder of of how durable ideas about writing can be.

From Orwell’s essay, Politics and the English Language. Via Population Statistic.

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.

3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.

5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

I would add one of my favorite quotes to the mix: If you have nothing to say, don’t spend 15 minutes proving it.

A question: I’m trying to remember a song. It’s where the title of this article originates. The lyrics went something like “Do what’s right, then straight ahead.” It’s from my childhood. I was thinking it could be from Davy Crockett, or Daniel Boone or one of those pioneer shows. It’s going to drive me nuts until I find out, and I just must have it slightly wrong because my Google searches have come up empty.

About the Author

Frank Roche

Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.

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Sarah says:

October 5, 2006 at 8:20 am

Stop the madness We seem to think that because we get older, more senior in our careers, or (worst of all) we become attorneys that we need to speak in incomprehensible English. Big words don’t make you sound smarter. They simply obfuscate your message. They are more likely to make you come across as arrogant or condescending.

The alternative? Just say it. Or, even better, take a page from Nike’s book and “Jut do it.” People remember and believe in your actions more than your words. To maximize your credibility, “do” then “say” (if saying is still necessary).

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