Olina Qian

Ever wondering how to deliver a powerful speech? My friend Ruoyu just shared us her note after reading the book: The Power of Simplicity by Jack Trout. I find it is very helpful!

Summary:

1. Audiences “do not want complicated and emotionally complex stories that remind them of their own frustrations and powerlessness.” Columnist Richard Reeves

2. Good writing and speech can’t be confusing. They have to be clear and understandable, and the shorter the better.

10 Principles of clear writing:

· Keep sentence short

· Pick the simple word over the complex word

· Choose the familiar word

· Avoid unnecessary words

· Put action in your verbs

· Write like you talk

· Use terms your readers can picture

· Tie in with your reader’s experience

· Make full use of variety

· Write to express, not impress