The Seven Principles of Effective Writing (Part Three)
by Glenn White

The Principle of the Language

The Common Bond

The principle of the language means the language used by you, the writer, must also be common to your reader. Putting it simply, use words your reader understands. Words are symbols of ideas and must essentially mean the same to you and your reader. Your vocabulary may be much larger than a child but you must write in words the child understands to communicate with that child. Words are the common bond between you and your reader. This may seem obvious to any writer but often ignored in the name of intellectual pursuits at the reader’s expense.

One Word, Many Meanings

Many words in the English language can have more than one meaning. The word pitch can be used to describe some very different things. For example, pitch is the act of pitching, like in baseball. Pitch, also, means the angle of slope like, the pitch of a roof. Pitch is the sound of a musical tone, also. Then Pitch is also a card game. And pitch can be a high-pressure sales talk. So you see, one word has many meanings and depends on context for specific meaning.

Words as Vehicles of Thought

Words carry thoughts and ideas to your reader. It is unimportant to your reader what you understand your words to mean. Your reader must understand what your words mean to them before powerful writing happens. Therefore, as a writer you must choose your words wisely and carefully to develop vivid, clear images in your reader’s mind.

Know Your Reader

To know your reader you must know the language your reader understands. This is the key to effective writing. Does your reader want or need information about technology? Then write so your reader can understand technology in a language the reader can understand. Your readers want to learn or else they wouldn’t be reading. They will learn when you write in terms they can understand. You cannot spend too much time in getting to know who you readers are and writing to meet their needs.

Illustrate to Illuminate

Writing means illustrating ideas with words. When presenting your reader with a new concept or idea use the power of illustration. Use familiar terms, objects, and known facts to paint a picture of something new or unfamiliar. You can use more than one illustration to shed light on one idea. Be careful, however, not to mix metaphors.

Summary

The K.I.S.S. formula (Keep It Simple Saint) must be your writing motto to write effectively and connect with your readers. Never minimize the importance of knowing your reader and writing in words they understand. Unless you’re writing an article titled “How to Improve Your Vocabulary” keep your words simple, clear, and concise to reach the average reader. Always keep in mind you are writing so your reader can learn and understand. When you do that then you’ll write to inspire!

Next: The Principle of the Lesson