http://www.prooferati.com/Prooferati/Blog/Blog.html iWeb 2.0.4 http://www.prooferati.com/Prooferati/Blog/Entries/2008/11/4_Verbosity_Is_an_Atrocity.html cfc4d2b9-f054-4e84-a5c4-da25651cad9e Tue, 4 Nov 2008 08:19:52 -0800 When writing or speaking, you can’t go wrong by following these 3 P’s of effective communication. Consider these points as a measure when you’re proofreading, too.<br/><br/>Be Pithy. What words can you eliminate to more quickly get to the point? Especially in web copy, because readers scan. Don’t abuse modifiers and fillers. Avoid passive voice. Remember: Verbosity is an atrocity. <br/><br/>Be Powerful. Reach out quickly and grab your reader. Persuade and command with powerful, terse copy. Emphasize by repetition: Don’t publish without letting your copy come to life: copy that is pithy; copy that is powerful; copy that persuades your customers to act. Be visually powerful. Use bold and color to highlight important points and dashes to introduce important phrases.<br/><br/>Be Protective. Like everything you do, be a good company soldier and protect your brand. Your communications must live under your mission statement umbrella. If not, you risk inconsistent messaging, which shatters trust.