Nudge The overlooked secret to better writing
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Apr 8, 2024 Prof Todd Rodgers, expert in writing, discusses the power of concise communication in writing. He shares studies on email length, editing newsletters, and simplifying content to increase engagement. The podcast explores how less is more in communication strategies and offers tips for enhancing reader-friendly writing.
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Churchill's Brevity Memo
- Winston Churchill, during WWII, issued a memo titled "Brevity" to his cabinet.
- He stressed concise communication, believing it more crucial than expected, even during a crisis.
Reader's Perspective
- People overestimate the reader's available time and attention.
- Readers prioritize speed, often skimming or skipping lengthy content.
Email Length Experiment
- A study on school board members compared a long, grateful email with a short, direct one.
- The concise email, despite predictions, proved twice as effective in getting survey responses.