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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Writing for Busy Readers summary
Todd Rogers & Jessica Lasky-Fink
Communicate More Effectively in the Real World
21 mins
Brief summary
Writing for Busy Readers offers practical tips and strategies for crafting effective written communication that grabs attention, keeps readers engaged, and gets your point across, even when your audience is short on time.
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Writing for Busy Readers
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The art of effective writing and its significance
Just pause for a second and think about the last time you wrote something. It’s probably just about five seconds ago. Whether it was a quick text, a social media post, or even that grocery list on your fridge, you’re constantly writing away. Yes, in our rapidly digitizing world, the act of writing has become an inseparable part of our daily lives.
Unfortunately, not just any writing will do. With our lives saturated by messages, the need for effective writing is more important than ever.
The primary purpose of effective writing, whether it’s about a casual dinner or a corporate meeting, is to get the reader to engage or act. To break through the bustling digital traffic, you bear the responsibility to make your words practically jump off the screen and pull the reader in.
But what constitutes effective writing? It boils down to two things: purpose and clarity. Think about it this way. Imagine texting a friend to meet you at your favorite pizza place. You wouldn’t send them an essay, right? Just a few crystal-clear sentences. Enough that they can quickly understand your request and make a decision.
Effective writing isn’t just beneficial for the reader; it also helps writers. Every time you write clearly, your thoughts become sharper too. So while Shakespearean prose has its place, when you’re looking to get straight to the point, it’s all about being direct, clear, and compelling.
Here’s solid proof of the power of words. In 2020, Airbnb hosts missed out on a golden opportunity to buy Airbnb stock, all because an email with the subject “Airbnb’s Directed Share Program” sounded, well, boring. But those who did click on that plain-Jane email? They cashed in a whopping $15,000!
And sometimes, the stakes are even higher, just like in the US electoral ballot initiatives. In 2016, a Colorado ballot had a question about slavery so confusing that many were left scratching their heads. Now just imagine how those with limited literacy or for whom English isn’t their first language would fare. It’s not just about missed emails anymore; unclear writing could potentially skew how people vote!
In a nutshell, writing isn’t just about throwing words on a page. It’s an art of clarity, purpose, and encouraging engagement. So, before tapping away at your keyboard or phone to write that quick Slack message you fire off at work to those all-important civic documents, take a moment. Reflect. Make those words not just heard but felt. Because in this digital age, words don’t just convey meaning, they have the power to change outcomes.
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What is Writing for Busy Readers about?
Writing for Busy Readers (2023) is a guide to writing effectively in the digital age. Based on research in behavioral science, it provides you with six principles for writing messages that are clear, concise, and engaging – even for busy readers.
Writing for Busy Readers Review
Writing for Busy Readers (2022) is a practical guide that helps writers capture and hold the attention of time-strapped readers. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides simple, effective strategies for crafting concise and compelling content that resonates with busy readers.
- Backed by research and real-life examples, it offers practical advice that can be applied to a variety of writing contexts.
- The book's engaging tone and relatable examples make it an enjoyable read, keeping readers interested and motivated to implement the techniques discussed.
Who should read Writing for Busy Readers?
- Digital content writers aiming to enhance their work’s readability
- Anyone who wants to write more effectively
- Aspiring writers seeking modern guidance
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Writing for Busy Readers FAQs
What is the main message of Writing for Busy Readers?
The main message of Writing for Busy Readers is to write concise and engaging content that captures the attention of busy readers.
How long does it take to read Writing for Busy Readers?
The reading time for Writing for Busy Readers varies, but it can be read in a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Writing for Busy Readers a good book? Is it worth reading?
Writing for Busy Readers is worth reading because it provides practical tips and strategies to write effectively for time-strapped readers.
Who is the author of Writing for Busy Readers?
The authors of Writing for Busy Readers are Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink.
What to read after Writing for Busy Readers?
If you're wondering what to read next after Writing for Busy Readers, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Business Writing Tips by Robert Bullard
- Do I Make Myself Clear? by Harold Evans
- Writing That Works by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson
- The Art of Laziness by Library Mindset
- Persuasive Copywriting by Andy Maslen
- 7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness by Jim Rohn
- How to Tell a Story by The Moth
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Mind Magic by James R. Doty
- Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday