How to improve the clarity of your writing?

Question

Sometimes it takes courage to write simply and clearly. It takes courage to simplify our thoughts for the sake of clarity. But the end result is often a much clearer and poignant message.

Answer 1

Improving the clarity of your writing requires rereading aloud and listening to how your words would sound to a reader's ear. The writer knows the intended message. Now it is important to really listen and look closely to see if the intended message has been communicated. If at all possible having a second, or even third, set of eyes give your work a read and provide honest feedback is a wonderful tool. Sometimes less is more. Be mindful of flowery language, multiple adjectives and excessively descriptive passages, as at times, the clarity can become lost within the lengthy text.

Answer 2

A writer should never "simplify" their thoughts for the sake of clarity. This is more of an issue of economy of word. In a first draft, one should always pour all of their thoughts onto the page. In subsequent rewrites, the job of the writer is to channel those feelings into a document that not only will the reader understand, but also be moved and inspired by.

Answer 3

It does take courage but it also takes time and effort. The more you write and the more time you put in to review what you're writing will help clarify and organize it. Taking a bit of a break and then reviewing what you wrote helps look at it with fresh eyes, and of course having somebody else review it adds more objective editing of your writing.