Communication Archives

How to Fix Cluttered Writing: Stop Doing These 5 Things

What exactly is cluttered writing? How does unnecessary wordiness compromise your writing? In his book On Writing Well, William Zinsser points out five common types of clutter: wordy phrases, euphemisms, adverbs, too many adjectives, and qualifiers. By reducing or eliminating these types of clutter in your writing, you will write more clearly and communicate your point more effectively. Let’s look at a few common types of cluttered writing and how to avoid them.

How to End a Story: Tips for Nonfiction Writers

What makes a good story ending? What are some things you should consider when writing the ending for a nonfiction piece? Beginning and ending stories are some of the hardest things to do for a writer. A good ending should leave the reader feeling satisfied and give them something to think about. An ending shouldn’t simply summarize what a reader has already read. Here’s how to end a story right, according to writer and literary critic William Zinsser.

How to Write About Science and Technology

Do you write about science and technology? How can you make your writing sound less robotic? When people write about science and technology, they tend to lack humanity, making the piece too boring and matter-of-fact. To make your technical writing more interesting, focus on humanity first and incorporate facts and statistics only if they add to the story. Here’s how to make your technical writing more interesting.

How to Begin a Story Without Being Cliché

Do you want to know how to begin a story? What kinds of story leads should you avoid? Opening a story can be the most intimidating part. The first line of a story is what sets the scene in the readers’ minds, so it should be compelling. However, many writers fall into the same traps. Here’s how to begin a story without being cliché.

How to Write the Beginning, Middle, and End of a Story

What makes a good story? What are the key elements of a story that’s enticing and compelling to read? It’s one thing to be a good writer, but it’s another thing to know how to write a good story. To keep your readers’ attention throughout the piece, the beginning, middle, and end of a story should flow together logically and coherently. Here are some tips from writer and journalist William Zinsser.

The Unexpected Benefits of Playing Dumb

Have you ever said or done something dumb on purpose? How does playing dumb help you get what you want? Nobody likes to come across as dumb, naive, or undiscerning. However, sometimes playing dumb can help you succeed in getting what you want. Keep reading to learn about the unexpected benefits of playing dumb.

How to Find & Exploit Someone’s Weakness

How do you identify someone’s weakness? How does knowing someone’s weaknesses help you get them to do what you want? Everyone has a weakness, a hole in their armor. It’s usually an insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or need, or a secret pleasure. Once found, you can use it as leverage that you can use to your advantage. Here’s how to find someone’s weakness and strategically exploit it to your advantage.

How to Be More Mysterious: Don’t Show All Your Cards

Why is mystery so attractive? What do mysterious people do that makes them so irresistible? People are attracted to those who seem mysterious, so cultivate an air of mystery yourself. Be vague about what you’re doing or plan to do. Don’t show all your cards and you’ll create an atmosphere of anticipation—people will pay attention to see what you do next. You can use mystery to deceive, enthrall, and intimidate. Here’s how to be more mysterious, according to Robert Greene.

Why Being Too Honest Isn’t a Good Thing

What are the dangers of being an “open book”—being too honest about your feelings, beliefs, and intentions? How can excessive honesty work against you? People tend to be “open books” because talking about feelings and intentions comes naturally. There are two reasons for that: 1) watching your mouth — monitoring and controlling what you say—takes effort, and 2) they believe honesty and openness will win people over. Here’s how being too honest can work against you.

How to Use Honesty as a Manipulation Technique

Can honesty be manipulative? How can you use honesty to manipulate others? One of the most effective manipulation techniques is to surprise your target with honesty or generosity. This approach disarms people by allaying suspicions and bringing out their inner child—they respond with eager, childlike gratitude. You, too, can use honesty and generosity to disarm and distract others from your schemes. Here’s how honesty can be used as a manipulation tool.