To the point: The value of Concise writing

Concise writing is direct, efficient, and contains only the words needed to convey a point. Writing this way can be challenging, especially for students and young professionals. It takes conscious effort to choose our words carefully and to not write the way we talk. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with the way we talk; but talking is usually informal while academic and workplace writing require a more formal tone and style.   

Taking a to-the-point approach will make your writing crisp and clear. From essays and discussions to emails, proposals and more, writing plays a central part in your daily life. Getting accustomed to writing concisely will strengthen your professionalism as you advance from school into the workplace and help you get ideas across more effectively. “Say only what needs to be said in your writing: The author who  is more concise – that is, more frugal with words – writes a more readable paper” (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 2020, p. 113).

Avoid wordiness at all times. Proofread thoroughly to weed out unnecessary words. Wordy text can waste your readers’ time (and test their patience), cloud your ideas, and call your credibility into question.

Compare these two sentences. They convey the same information; yet the difference in word use is notable.

• In my opinion, I think the study of Psychology is very fascinating. (12 words)
• Psychology is fascinating. (3 words)

Weed out unnecessary words: I̶n̶ ̶m̶y̶ ̶o̶p̶i̶n̶i̶o̶n̶,̶ ̶I̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶n̶k̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶s̶t̶u̶d̶y̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶ Psychology is v̶e̶r̶y̶ ̶  fascinating.

Rationale:

• In my opinion and I think are assumed.
• Psychology is a field of study, so the study of is redundant.
• Fascinating can be defined as very interesting, so adding very is unnecessary.

Eliminate non-essential words:

• Mark essential words;
• Look at remaining words;
• Decide which of these are unneeded;
• Delete them. 

Remember that concise writing takes time and effort; but the return on investment is well-worth it. Be aware of how you write and choose your words carefully. Practice is key. There are a number of other strategies to writing concisely and plenty of resources to help you get there. Check out your school’s writing center or library, university websites, the APA manual, or ask your instructor.
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American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association

                (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000