Remember, it is no sign of weakness or defeat that your manuscript ends up in need of major surgery. This is a common occurrence in all writing, and among the best writers.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Instead of announcing what you are about to tell is interesting, make it so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Rather than claiming your message is interesting, let the content speak for itself through its quality.
This quote emphasizes the importance of substance over mere claims. It encourages individuals to present their ideas and information in a compelling manner, allowing the inherent interest of the content to shine through rather than relying on verbal assurances. The message suggests that people's attention is captured more effectively by the richness of the message itself than by its superficial presentation.
Themes
CommunicationContentExpressionStorytellingInterest
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation, instead of stating 'this is a fascinating topic,' dive right into compelling stories or data.
More from William Strunk, Jr.
All quotes βThe surest way to arouse and hold the attention of the reader is by being specific, definitive, and concrete. The greatest writers - Homer, Dante, Shakespeare - are effective largely because they deal in particulars and report the details that matter. Their words call up pictures.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Avoid fancy words....If you admire fancy words, if every sky is beauteous, every blonde curvaceous, every intelligent child prodigious, if you are tickled by discombobulate, you will have bad time Reminder 14.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Rather, very, little, pretty - these are the leeches that infest the pond of prose, sucking the blood of words. The constant use of the adjective little (except to indicate size) is particularly debilitating; we should all try to do a little better, we should all be very watchful of this rule, for it is a rather important one, and we are pretty sure to violate it now and then.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
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Don't, Sir, accustom yourself to use big words for little matters.
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