On page 163 of _Everyone Communicates, Few Connect_, Maxwell discusses the communication style of his inherited COO who was a career navy man. His COO subscribed to the armed services perspective on communication:
1st Draft: A word to the wise is sufficient
2nd Draft: A word to the wise may be sufficient.
3rd Draft: It is believed that a word to the wise may be sufficient
…
5th Draft: Indications are that is believed by some that a word to the wise may be sufficient under some conditions…
I often fall into this trap in my writing.
Tina - I had to smile at the post because my first drafts are like the 5th draft above. Well, not actually ... I don't use those wishy washy terms but I do put way too many facts, statements, listing of alternative views, etc. I have been trying to review my emails before they go out and shorten them but it has been difficult. I delete a few words or replace a word or two with shorter words but have not yet been successful at removing sentences or even (gasp) paragraphs.
ReplyDeleteFunny you should mention the need to edit e-mails Michelle. :) The first draft of my post was longer and not very well thought out. I re-read it a few days later and shortened it.
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