274: How to Write so Busy People Respond. Todd Rogers
Feb 4, 2025
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Todd Rogers, a Harvard professor and behavioral scientist, dives into the intricacies of effective communication. He shares his research-backed six principles to write compellingly for busy readers, enhancing clarity and engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of brevity and structuring messages for optimal reader navigation. They also address the challenges of writing from the reader's perspective, emphasizing how focusing on the audience can significantly boost response rates. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their writing and connect better with their audience.
Adopting brevity and clarity in writing significantly improves the chances of busy readers engaging with messages.
Structuring written communication with headings and simple action steps facilitates better navigation and encourages prompt responses from recipients.
Deep dives
The Importance of Writing for Busy Readers
Effective communication is increasingly essential in a world filled with distractions and overflowing inboxes. Most messages go unread or unanswered because they fail to capture the attention of busy readers who tend to skim rather than read thoroughly. By understanding the behaviors of these busy individuals, writers can improve their communication strategies significantly. Adopting principles that prioritize clarity and brevity can increase the likelihood of engagement and response.
Clarity and Brevity Are Key
Long-winded emails often discourage readers, leading them to postpone replies or avoid reading altogether. Shortening messages can paradoxically lead to better communication outcomes, as studies have shown that even incoherent, shortened messages can elicit better responses than longer, more detailed ones. Writers must learn to trim unnecessary information and focus on delivering key points concisely to capture the reader’s interest. Emphasizing brevity not only respects the reader’s time but also aids in better understanding.
Navigating the Reader's Experience
Designing written communication for easy navigation is essential, as readers are likely to scan rather than read in a linear fashion. Using headings and subheadings can significantly improve comprehension by allowing readers to quickly identify and access information that is most relevant to them. Structuring content in a way that facilitates navigation can dramatically increase the chances that readers will engage with the material. By acknowledging and accommodating the way people read, writers can enhance the overall effectiveness of their communications.
Making Responses Easy and Accessible
Encouraging prompt responses involves simplifying the action steps requested in written communication. Reducing the number of complexities, such as offering clear options or asking straightforward questions, can help elicit quicker replies from busy recipients. Additionally, writers should take the reader’s perspective into account and ensure that the communication process is as smooth as possible. By lowering barriers to response and making it easy for readers to engage, writers can foster more productive interactions.
Is it possible to write so that even busy CEOs respond? Yes, it is. If you know how.
On this week’s episode of Speak Like a CEO, Oliver sits down with Harvard professor Todd Rogers, co-author of Writing for Busy Readers, to uncover why most messages fail – and how to fix them.
Todd is a behavioral scientist who has spent years studying how people read (or rather, don’t read). His research-backed insights will change the way you write forever.
Along with co-author Jessica Lasky Fink, Todd distilled years of research into 6 principles that make writing clearer, more engaging, and more likely to get a response.
Every day, we’re drowning in emails, reports, and messages. These 6 principles don’t just make your writing better; they boost productivity, relationships, and response rates.
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.