Are You Clear?

Last month we discussed finding and developing a writing voice. I thought this month we should cover one of the ways in which a writer’s voice can go awry. What happens when writers take their voices a little too seriously?

To illustrate precisely to what I am referring, I shall now adopt the voice in which I write at such a time as this, so that I may bestow upon you, humble readers, the great gift of insight and wisdom which I, through years of anonymous and thankless toil, have earned, and from which you, who may also be toiling anonymously and thanklessly, will undoubtedly gain.

Be honest now, would you want to read a whole article written in that voice? I wouldn’t, but as an editor, I often do. I have seen many, many writers sacrifice clarity in an effort to impress their readers, to sound intelligent, to write “like a writer.” The problem is, truly skilled writers don’t write like that.

Writing is communication. You can do whatever you want in your bedside journal, but if you are writing because you want to be read, you must be clear. Whether you are writing a thriller or a thesis, you must be clear. If your sentences are so convoluted your readers are constantly scratching their heads and saying “Wha-?” you have not done your job as a writer.

How can you improve the clarity of your writing?

1. Try to avoid long, complex sentences. I’ve read some seventy-word sentences that made my head spin. A long sentence every once in a while is fine, but make sure every word in that sentence is doing something.
2. Avoid using “fancy” words as window dressing. This goes along with #1. If the word isn’t serving some purpose, why is it in your sentence? If readers are unlikely to understand the meaning of the word, why is it in your sentence?
3. Always keep your audience in mind. Are you writing for fifth graders or your dissertation advisor? Your readers will have different expectations and capabilities depending on their age and level of education. Be careful that you don’t overwhelm them or talk down to them.
4. Read your work out loud. Does your tongue trip repeatedly? If so, you probably have some rewriting ahead of you.
5. Ask someone else to read your work. This can be tough. You need to find someone who will offer honest, constructive criticism. Yes, close relatives and friends are convenient, but many of them will only nod their heads and say, “That’s fine, dear.” This is nice, but not terribly helpful. Try an editor or a fellow writer. If you don’t know any local writers, try joining an online writing group.
6. Finally, write to communicate, not to impress. The easiest and surest way to impress readers with your message and style is to write graceful, easily understood prose.

Write on!