Month: May 2023

(159 words, 37-second read)

If you’re going to persuade someone, you have to be certain about your position. Right?

Yes, but: Certainty is the play. IF the person you are writing to is open to being persuaded. But uncertainty might give you the persuasive edge you need if the person is unwilling to consider your point.

• “This might not be the best way to attack this challenge, but I think we should move in this direction.”

Why it works: Expressing uncertainty signals that you are willing to consider other options. The power of reciprocity usually encourages a person to consider other options, even when they’re certain – especially when they’re certain.

Apply it: Here are some words to use the principle of uncertainty in the wild:

• Usually
• Might
• Think
• Should

Bonus tip: Framing a certain statement as a question should work.

Deep dive: If you’d like to learn more about this strategy and others like it, check out Jonah Berger’s book, Magic Words.

Fun fact: The first draft of this was 177 words.

(102 words, 24-second read)

I said this in a presentation on Monday.

When I said it, I kept talking, but I thought, where did that come from? Who says that? And why?

I knew it was a cliche that means from start to finish.

• I didn’t know – until I looked it up – that it comes from the early 20th century.
• Nor did I know if my 20-year-old audience even knew what it meant.

Thought bubble 💭: I wonder how many times I use cliches. Especially outdated ones my audience doesn’t understand.

I’m not sure. Are you?

We should work like dogs to avoid it.

Fun fact: The first draft was 152 words.

(165 words, 38-second read)

This, of course, is a line from one of the greatest movies ever, Gladiator.

Backstory: In case you haven’t seen it [spoiler alert], Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, takes out six other gladiators in about 30 seconds. He throws his sword into the box seats, and yells to the crowd:

• Are you not entertained? Are you NOT entertained? Is that not why you are here?

Yes, but: Writing – even business writing – is entertaining too. At least, that’s the goal. But it’s not wasting six gladiators in 30 seconds entertaining.

Yes, and: Sure. One definition of entertain is to provide amusement and joy. And another definition is:

• To give attention or consideration (to an idea).

Bottom line: You don’t have to surprise your reader when delivering a message. You don’t have to make them laugh. You don’t have to make them cry.

Give your reader the main point as clearly, concisely, and quickly as possible, and they’ll consider your idea. They’ll be entertained.

Fun fact: The first draft of this post was 153 words.

(113 words, 26-second read)

I was listening to my playlist the other day. The song Say Something, by Justin Timberlake came on.

A versus in the chorus is:

• Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all.

Why it matters: This reminded me of a quote by the comedian Craig Ferguson. Before saying something, ask yourself three questions:

• Does this need to be said?
• Does this need to be said by me?
• Does this need to be said by me now?

Reality check ✅: More often than we’d like to think, the answer to these questions is no.

• Sometimes the greatest way to be a likable writer is to say nothing at all.

Fun fact: This was the first draft.

(164 words, 38-second read)

I don’t like to admit this. And if you tell anyone, I’ll deny it. But I am highly empathic.

Why this matters: Sometimes, I share too much. I try to explain EVERYTHING because I want them to have ALL the information.

• This is ESPECIALLY true when I am talking to someone.

In the wild: Here are some examples of what I mean:

• If I don’t respond to an email or text as fast as I think I should…I apologize…and explain what took “so long.”
• If I can’t do a task that someone asks me to do…I apologize…and explain what I’m working on.
• If I didn’t do something I usually do and someone asks…I apologize…and explain I was having dental issues.

Bottom line: I share too much information.

Yes, but: Sure. If I wrong someone. I probably should explain.

• But even then, it is probably better to just apologize. And stop.

Truth bomb 💣: Most people don’t care. And if they do, they’ll ask.

Fun fact: The first draft was 153 words, but over half the words are different.