One in a series of writing tips.
If I were in charge of everything, I’d make it a crime to start any email like this:
“Good morning. I hope you’re all having a good week.”
Alas, I’m not in charge of everything – and certainly not of banning this waste of words and readers’ time with unnecessary and often insincere chumminess.
Just get to the point already.
“I write today to share information about our recent layoffs.”
“Please read closely for information about a change in parking fees.”
“Donuts in the break room!”
I labored for 44 years in journalism, where getting to the point quickly is prized. News consumers expect it.
But getting to the point quickly will help writing in any context, from business letters to internal memos, student papers, news reports, speeches, podcast scripts, notes to grandma, and, yes, those office emails with their languid first paragraphs.
Failure to get to the point can reflect a writer’s lack of clarity about the text’s purpose. Or it betrays a writer unfurling words to show off. Neither is good.
Respect readers.
Just get to the point.
Quickly.
The 30-Second Writing Tips
Tip No. 1: The Hardest Part of Writing
What if the point is that we hope you have a good week?
Steve, I hope you have a good week.