The Power of Brevity

I have long believed that anyone who can’t explain something briefly simply doesn’t understand it.  When you consult with a professional, be it a doctor, lawyer, accountant, or mechanic, if they use indecipherable jargon and offer lengthy and mystifying explanations, you may need to seek a different professional. 

 If you want to succeed in any profession, you must be prepared to explain the most complex concepts in your field in simple terms that can be understood by any client or customer.  As a bestselling author and as a voracious reader, I’m convinced poor writing is a result of presenting too much as opposed to not enough. 

 In a recent column, I quoted the two-word transatlantic cable that a wife sent to her husband after she survived a shipwreck that took the lives of their four daughters.  It simply said, “Saved alone.”   It was all she said and all that could be said.  A lengthier explanation would have only deluded the horrific impact of the moment.  Early in the 20th century, there was a contest held to determine who might write the best six-word story.  Ernest Hemingway submitted, “For sale: baby shoes. Never worn.”

 You’ve heard it said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  This may be true, but I maintain that the right word delivered in the right way at the right time can be worth a thousand pictures.  There was a time when the length of movies, TV shows, books, and magazines was determined by analog technology which dictated how long a program could be, including commercial breaks, or how many column inches could fit in a newspaper or magazine.  Today, thanks to the miraculous digital age in which we live, our messages—be they written, video, or audio—are only limited by our ability to communicate.  You should never present one more word, image, or sound than it takes to fully deliver your message.  

Among the most enduring speeches in history is Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.  It was delivered during a day-long political rally in which there were several speeches that approached two hours in length.  Lincoln’s immortal message was delivered in approximately two minutes and was comprised of 271 words which is considerably shorter than this column.  Always remember that when it comes to great art, music, architecture, or your communication, less can be more. 

 As you go through your day today, remember to keep it brief and simple.

 Today’s the day!