Writing rules are guardrails to creativity.
I have only one rule for writing: does it work? All other rules are suggestions.
Well, here’s a suggestion I’ve been taking more to heart lately. I’m famous for couching statements using modifiers like, “I’m a little bit tired” or “That’s kind of lame”. Okay, “famous” might be too strong a word. (Oops, I did it again…)
Why would people listen to me if I’m only sort of sure of what I’m saying?
I’ve realized that what I take as softening the language is actually killing it. I need to be more assertive in my messaging. I need to avoid those hedging words and phrases because the sentences they produce are weak.
For example, compare:
“I’m a little bit tired” with “I’m tired”.
“‘Famous’ might be too strong a word” with “‘Famous’ is too strong a word”.
“That’s kind of lame” with “That’s lame”. Or better yet, “Lame.”
In each case, the second (or third) passage is stronger than the first. And the first, ironically, is lame.
I think hedging has its place, but I use it too much. For example, hedging in dialogue can say a lot about the character who is speaking those words. I find hedging very useful in some email situations where I need to make a point, but I want to do it softly.
But in most cases, these modifiers just get in the way of a strong, concise sentence.
Again, I’m not into rules. But I can suggest that you take a look at your own work and search out those sorta, kinda lame phrases, and see if they are better without them. Not stronger – they will always be stronger – but better. Is there a reason why you’re couching? Sometimes.
But if it’s just for effect as I often do, the effect is usually better without them.
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Over to You
As Forest Gump famously said, that’s all I have to say about that. A short one for you today!
What about you? Do you excise your hedging language? Can you think of other ways hedging language is useful in writing? Let us know in the comments below!
Until next time, keep writing with wild abandon!
~Graham
email me if you get lost.