Become A Better Writer In 60 Minutes (Masterclass)
My First Million
Episode Insights
See all- Here are the key insights from the podcast episode on writing for clarity and persuasion:
- Persuasion through writing is a scalable way to influence others, whether convincing someone to join a company or crafting an engaging online dating profile.
- Clear writing is a reflection of clear thinking. Writing can serve as a "truth-teller" that reveals the quality of one's ideas and helps generate new insights.
- Authentic writing that reflects the writer's true voice resonates more with readers. The notion that one has to adopt a different persona to be successful in writing is debunked.
- Beginning with the end in mind is essential for crafting content that elicits specific reactions from readers, such as laughter, outrage, or curiosity.
- Creating a powerful headline can immediately engage readers and guide the direction of the writing. A strong headline should be thought-provoking and make a promise to the reader.
- Drafting quickly without self-censoring and taking a break before editing allows for passive idea improvement and clearer, more impactful writing on the return.
- The practice of copywork as a warm-up exercise can improve writing style and rhythm by mimicking the clarity and engagement of admired authors.
- Writing simply and directly, at an accessible reading level, can maximize comprehension and engagement. Tools like the Hemingway app can aid in maintaining a lower reading level.
- A swipe file is an invaluable resource for writers, providing a collection of examples and phrases to draw inspiration from and overcome creative blocks.
- Effective storytelling often hinges on creating a dynamic between a character's intentions and the obstacles they face, which maintains narrative tension and keeps the audience invested.