Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques 110. Write It Well: How to Craft an Email to Capture Busy Readers
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Oct 10, 2023 
Todd Rogers, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and author of 'Writing for Busy Readers,' shares insights on crafting effective communication. He emphasizes that busy readers require clarity and brevity in everything from emails to speeches. Tips include using simple language, structure, and bullet points to enhance readability. The conversation also highlights how emojis can engage diverse audiences and the importance of adapting writing to fit communication norms for improved understanding. With Rogers’ strategies, you can write in a way that respects your readers' time.
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Reader-centric Writing
- Effective writing prioritizes the reader's skimming habits over idealized writing styles.
- Recognize that readers skim and prioritize key information, so design writing accordingly.
Structure for Skimmers
- Structure writing with headings and formatting to guide readers.
- This design aids navigation, allowing readers to quickly grasp key information while skimming.
Less is More Experiment
- A fundraising email experiment showed shorter, even incoherent, emails raised more money.
- This demonstrates the "less is more" principle, where brevity trumps completeness in engagement.
