General writing advice

[KingsGambit]

I'll just phrase this as broadly as possible...

Does anybody have any advice on writing in a less wordy/pretentious manner... without sacrificing precision? Basically, how to communicate without sounding like ChatGPT prompted to "talk like an MIT professor"?

[Cerebrum123]

I'll just phrase this as broadly as possible...

Does anybody have any advice on writing in a less wordy/pretentious manner... without sacrificing precision? Basically, how to communicate without sounding like ChatGPT prompted to "talk like an MIT professor"?

I've been trying to do this myself. I've had a bit of success by shortening sentences and using shorter and simpler synonyms where I can.

[The Melody Maker]

Acquire a good vocabulary, and eliminate unnecessary description. I'm no great writer myself, but I'm slowly learning that. I hope that helps.

[Faber]

Primarily, you should be conscious of the possibility that some of the recipients of your transmission, including those of bilingual or multilingual character, may not have acquired a sufficient vocabulary so as to comprehend the intent of your communication without use of a thesaurus.

[KingsGambit]

Acquire a good vocabulary, and eliminate unnecessary description. I'm no great writer myself, but I'm slowly learning that. I hope that helps.

That's part of the problem. I tend to use words that go over people's heads. It took me a couple readings to even see the humor in Faber's post because it just looked like normal phrasing to me at first.

[Cerebrum123]

That's part of the problem. I tend to use words that go over people's heads. It took me a couple readings to even see the humor in Faber's post because it just looked like normal phrasing to me at first.

MelMak's second point about avoiding unnecessary descriptions is useful. The rest is not so much about having a good vocabulary but knowing when to use it. I'm still not great at this, but I think I'm getting a bit better. It still feels unnatural and too dumbed down. Because of that, it's a relief when I come across someone who I don't have to restrict my vocabulary with. I have another tip that might help. Think of your normal pattern of speaking and then compare it to how you would speak to a little kid. Try to find a spot somewhere between those two points.

Faber's post is perfect because not only is it a humorous jab at how people like us tend to communicate, but it's genuinely good advice. Also, I can't stop thinking of the groundhogs from Looney Tunes when I read it.

[rogue06]

MelMak's second point about avoiding unnecessary descriptions is useful. The rest is not so much about having a good vocabulary but knowing when to use it. I'm still not great at this, but I think I'm getting a bit better. It still feels unnatural and too dumbed down. Because of that, it's a relief when I come across someone who I don't have to restrict my vocabulary with. I have another tip that might help. Think of your normal pattern of speaking and then compare it to how you would speak to a little kid. Try to find a spot somewhere between those two points.

Faber's post is perfect because not only is it a humorous jab at how people like us tend to communicate, but it's genuinely good advice. Also, I can't stop thinking of the groundhogs from Looney Tunes when I read it.

Indubitably.


And they were gophers. Mac and Tosh. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's a pun.

[Cerebrum123]

Indubitably.


And they were gophers. Mac and Tosh. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's a pun.

Why was I thinking groundhogs.

[tabibito]

Because of that, it's a relief when I come across someone who I don't have to restrict my vocabulary with.

This site provides a much appreciated opportunity to not have to double check and rephrase everything before I say it. (Well, except when posting to particular individuals, that is).

I have another tip that might help. Think of your normal pattern of speaking and then compare it to how you would speak to a little kid. Try to find a spot somewhere between those two points.

I recall a certain three year old who prompted a child care centre to buy a dictionary.

[Cerebrum123]

This site provides a much appreciated opportunity to not have to double check and rephrase everything before I say it. (Well, except when posting to particular individuals, that is).

I recall a certain three year old who prompted a child care centre to buy a dictionary.

I wouldn't be surprised if that happened around me when I was a kid. I had a much higher vocabulary than most even at a very young age. I also started reading very early.

[Sparko]

That's part of the problem. I tend to use words that go over people's heads. It took me a couple readings to even see the humor in Faber's post because it just looked like normal phrasing to me at first.

Your posts seem to have a nice casual writing style that doesn't sound "over people's heads" and communicates clearly to me - just write like that.

Don't write like HA.






And...

bigword.jpg

[QuantaFille]

That's part of the problem. I tend to use words that go over people's heads. It took me a couple readings to even see the humor in Faber's post because it just looked like normal phrasing to me at first.

Same.

[Ronson]

I'll just phrase this as broadly as possible...

Does anybody have any advice on writing in a less wordy/pretentious manner... without sacrificing precision? Basically, how to communicate without sounding like ChatGPT prompted to "talk like an MIT professor"?

I lean pretty heavily on a thesaurus these days. I usually write down my thoughts as they come to me, and then I will upgrade or downgrade what I've written. If it is a relatively short post, I might Google a couple of words asking for synonyms, adjusting it until it feels right.

[Cow Poke]

I've been trying to do this myself. I've had a bit of success by shortening sentences and using shorter and simpler synonyms where I can.

I just write like I talk, which, often, means that punctuation would not be pleasing to Kate Turabian, were she still alive.

[Sparko]

Me write like caveman! Ugh!