Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less

Analyze the authors’ purpose for writing the book. Is there truly a need for the kind of writing they discuss? Is this style of writing always appropriate? Explain.

Reflect on your own writing tendencies. What are some useful pieces of advice you will take away from the book?

Do you feel the authors advocate a kind of “dumbing down” of important information? Why or why not?

In the book, the authors argue that the use of emojis, if done properly, can help grab the reader’s interest. What might using emojis communicate in terms of tone? How can emojis help with brevity? In that light, how can using emojis be both beneficial and risky?

Evaluate the final chapter of the book. How does this chapter stray from or possibly undermine the book’s overall purpose?

What are some limitations of smart brevity? What are the risks of promoting this style of writing in journalism in particular? Identify instances where less might not always be more when it comes to writing.

The authors argue that one can be direct and clear and employ clipped, terse language without losing their own voice. Do you agree with this argument? How might using such language affect perceptions of the writer? Consider diverse writers and the unique biases they may have to contend with.

How much does nuance and context matter when it comes to sharing information? Consider the news and current events. Does smart brevity offer enough in the way of context? Explain.