Orwell’s 6 writing tips

An engaging debate is going on over at Daily Blog Tips. Starting an online business means writing for your readers.

The question is about writing clearly online, and people don’t agree about how best to simplify information for online readers.

I don’t know a whole lot, people, but this is an area I love and actually have practical experience in, so here’s my $.02:

Write as if you’re explaining something to an intelligent and interested friend, someone who knows a little bit about your topic and wants to know more. Imagine she or he is listening attentively. Enthusiastic listeners improve communication.

The debate going on is, in part, about whether it’s a good idea to write as if your audience is in the 8th grade. This is not bad advice. I don’t know about you, but I was very smart in the 8th grade. That is the year my classmates and I were introduced to George Orwell.

In 1946, Orwell wrote an essay titled Politics and the English Language which contains this advice for writers of his day:

• 1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
• 2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
• 3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
• 4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
• 5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
• 6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

That was 1946. However, it’s still solid advice, don’t you think? I spent six years teaching college English, and I think we’re kidding ourselves (in the US) if we believe the majority of our audiences are reading at a much more advanced level than what is expected in the 8th grade.

Bear in mind that writing online is more effective when you write to your specific audience, especially if you want them to take an action, such as buy your service or ebook. Being aware of your readers’ expectations is just as important as keeping in mind their average attention span. The Ninja and I sell ebooks about how to start a cleaning business. We’re not about to quote Orwell to those readers. It wouldn’t be relevant. You guys are a different story.

Avoid pretentious diction and meaningless words and you and Orwell will be on the same page.

P.S. (He’d hate that I just used that tired metaphor, right?) I break his rules all the time. However, another wise person, whose name I have forgotten but whose advice I remember, said that you should know the rules first, before you break them.

I know I’m not the only one! So, please, tell me in the comments where you break the rules and still get good results.