
All Ears English Podcast
AEE 2055: Harvard Professor Todd Rogers on 3 Ways to Write Well for a Busy World
Sep 5, 2023
Todd Rogers, a Harvard Professor of Public Policy and co-author of Writing for Busy Readers, shares invaluable insights on effective communication. He discusses strategies tailored for busy readers, emphasizing concise writing and clear core ideas. The conversation explores how to craft engaging emails that balance brevity and warmth while minimizing reader effort. Rogers also teases an upcoming book packed with tools for assessing writing difficulty and AI editing, making practical tips accessible to anyone looking to improve their writing skills.
21:04
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Quick takeaways
- Using headings in writing increases the likelihood of readers continuing past the first paragraph.
- Being concise and focusing on one core idea ensures effective communication and increased impact of the writing.
Deep dives
Designing for Skimming and Easy Navigation
When writing, it's important to understand that readers often skim and jump around the content. To make it easier for them, using headings can significantly increase the likelihood of readers continuing past the first paragraph. Adding structure to emails, reports, or any form of written communication helps skimmers find related ideas quickly. The key is to design the writing with skimming in mind, making it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
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