Lawline Online Course: A field Manual for Involuntary Bankruptcies - Thursday, 11/5/2020 at 3:00pm EST
Make sure to Reserve your online seat - (Click Here)
Please Note: We are OPEN, continuing to represent clients and accepting new clients However, due to local directives, all meetings and interviews can be conducted via telephonic or video conferencing. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or requests for information. Our free 15 minute telephone consultation remains available.
Call For Free 15 Minute Consultation(212) 739-7599
Kudos to Time magazine for its article on Sir Harry Evans restating the need for clarity in communicating and communications. Sir Harry wrote Do I Make Myself Clear which offers ten rules for writing[1], expounding on the rules with each chapter.
In my experience as a lawyer, a rule is stated. Its vagaries produce discussion through its application. When the rule maker explains the reasons for the rule’s creation, a well-written rule does not require discussion. However, the rule’s unanticipated applications could produce discussion.
Most of my writings’ audiences are judges. They don’t wait excitedly for my next brief or affidavit. They’d probably be happier reading something other than my case but they have to read what I submit. This is likely true for anyone who does not read for fun: teachers, bosses, students, or even clients.
If you know your audience, write to their needs and remember that their patience is limited. If you’re writing for yourself, say what you want — it’s therapy.
My rule for writing is the same as my rule for life: Hillel the Elder’s, “what is hateful to you, don’t do to another.” For writing, the rule translates to: “If you’d have problems reading or understanding your text, don’t subject someone else to it.”
Pretty simple but applying it is work. Good luck!
[1] Hemingway had five rules. Orwell had six.