Communication skills.
WHERE IT HELPS MOST
Difficult messages Shortening Clarifying muddled drafts Adjusting tone
FOR DIFFICULT MESSAGES
"I need to tell [person] that [situation]. I want to be honest and not damage the relationship."
A draft to react to is easier than a blank page.
FOR SHORTENING
"Reduce this by half, keeping every substantive point."
Most workplace writing is twice as long as it needs to be.
FOR CLARITY
"Make this clearer. Shorter sentences. Plain words."
WHAT TO ALWAYS CHECK
Commitments. Generated messages readily promise things you did not intend.
Names and facts.
Tone, toward how you actually speak.
WHAT THIS DOES FOR YOUR OWN WRITING
Seeing your draft improved teaches you what was wrong with it.
Over time, that improves your own writing, if you pay attention to the changes.
WHAT TO AVOID
Sending anything unread Letting all your communication sound generated
