Category: weak writing

Uncategorized, waffle words, weak words, weak writing

Why You Should Avoid Waffle Words

The word “waffle“ can have bad connotations. It brings to mind a breakfast food with toppings rich in waffle topped with a pat of butter flavor and calories and the inability to decide. In British culture, it can mean that you’re rambling without saying anything meaningful. I’ve waffled over waffles, but eating these tasty, toasty, ironed creations regularly tends to expand the waistline.

You are what you eat, and your word choices reflect who you are. (Just don’t eat your words.) “Waffle words” weaken your writing; they’re timid, afraid to commit, and can make you look the same way. These are the words you should remove to strengthen your writing, and why:

 

1. Well — As a transitional word, it lacks substance.

Example: I’ve added more info about the new heating system we want to buy to the proposal. Well, let me know your opinion of it.
Revised: I’ve added more info about the new heating system we want to buy to the proposal. What do you think of it?

2. So — It’s one of “well”‘s cousins. If you can remove a word without affecting the overall meaning of a sentence, it’s not necessary.

Example: So, we should meet again after lunch.
Revised: Let’s meet again after lunch.

3. Sorry — I’ve been guilty of overusing it; I admit I’m an apologist. Sometimes we can use it to avoid hard feelings, and lean on it like a crutch. Overuse makes you look weak.

Example: Sorry, I just don’t think getting a new water cooler is a good idea.
Revised: We can’t afford to buy a new water cooler this quarter, so I’ve decided to buy one next spring instead.

4. Maybe — If you tend to waffle, this would one of your favorite words.

Example: Maybe we can go to lunch sometime next week.
Revised: How about lunch together next Tuesday?

5. I think/I believe/I feel/I guess/I suggest…  — They often don’t add anything to sentences. I’ve used them, usually to soften a statement, and certain phrases, such as “I feel,” can work for a psychological effect, to connect with people emotionally. But, without these phrases, your sentences can pack more punch.

Example: I think we should hire an accountant to file our tax return.
Revised: We should hire an accountant to file our tax return.

 

What do you think? What are some more ways to strengthen your writing?

Does your writing need more weight? See how business writing coaching can help you flex your verbal skills to tone up your writing.

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editing, editing your writing, Uncategorized, weak writing, writing, writing advice, writing better

How to Strengthen Your Sentences

Do you like reading writing that rambles like a senator filibustering to block a vote? If you need some NoDoz before you read a work, it’s obviously a little weak.

“Punchy” writing gets people’s attention, however, it can, but doesn’t necessarily need to clobber them. It keeps them reading, an important aspect of selling ideas, products, or services. (For more information on this topic, read my e-newsletter.) But, it’s easy to get lazy and not want to put the effort in, however, a lack of effort can show. Here’s an example of weak writing, followed by a stronger counterpart:

“Off-base Solutions, LLC is a multi-disciplined real estate consulting firm serving a variety of industries and project types. Since its inception in 1986, Off-base has been committed to offering best-in-class consulting services to contractors, owners and financial institutions. Specializing but not limited to construction, loss mitigation and site acquisition consulting, Off-base’s philosophy is to strategically assess and report the facts of each project and to consult clients with informative information. We assist our clients by providing impartiality and a deeper industry understanding resulting in real solutions to complicated real estate related problems.”

Major reasons why it’s weak:

  • cliches (best-in-class)
  • overuse of big words (assist, strategically, etc.)
  • too many unnecessary words (informative)
  • lack of specific words

A stronger approach:

“Since 1996, Off-base Solutions, LLC has been committed to delivering best-in-class real estate consulting services to contractors, property owners, and financial institutions.

Specializing in — but not limited to — site clean-up, construction, loss mitigation, and acquisition consulting, Off-base assesses facts fairly based on evidence and experience. The results give our clients a deeper understanding of their problems and reveal solutions for improving their operations and increasing their revenue.” (And a link to testimonials or case studies of successful client transactions would provide evidence to back up these claims.)

It doesn’t take much to add a dash of sass to your copy to bring it more to life. If you lack time or the skills, I’m ready to help, so don’t hesitate to contact me for a free consultation.

What do you think? Which one is better? How would you change this passage?