Ensuring Clarity and Conciseness

No one is waking up at 7am, sipping coffee, thinking, “Wow, I really hope someone explains holistic wealth architecture today.” People want clarity. They want content that feels like a conversation, not a lecture. They want to understand what you’re saying the first time they read it. Write like you're talking to a real person. Not trying to win a Pulitzer. - Use short sentences. - Cut the jargon. - Sound like someone they’d trust with their money, not someone who spends weekends writing whitepapers for fun. Confused clients don’t ask for clarification. They move on. Here’s how to make your content clearer: 1. Ask yourself: Would my mom understand this? If the answer is “probably not,” simplify it until she would. No shade to your mom, she’s just a great clarity filter. 2. Use the “friend test.” Read it out loud. If it sounds weird or overly stiff, imagine explaining it to a friend at lunch. Rewrite it like that. 3. Replace jargon with real words. Say “retirement income you won’t outlive” instead of “longevity risk mitigation strategy.” Your clients are not Googling your vocabulary. 4. Stick to one idea per sentence. If your sentence is doing cartwheels and dragging a comma parade behind it, break it up. 5. Format like you actually want them to read it. Use line breaks. Add white space. Make it skimmable. No one wants to read a block of text the size of a mortgage document. Writing clearly isn’t dumbing it down. It’s respecting your audience enough to make content easy to understand. What’s the worst jargon-filled phrase you’ve seen in the wild? Let’s roast it.

Most IFUs don’t fail at compliance. They fail at comprehension. Today, you get my full clarity playbook. The same one QA/RA teams use to fix IFUs before regulators fix them. If you’re in MedTech and you write for users, this is for you ↓ (Save this post. And share with your favorite RA person ♻️) 1. Start with this mindset: Assume the user knows nothing. (Not dumb. Just new.) → No medical background → No device knowledge → No acronyms → No prior training 2. Structure your instructions like this: → One idea per step → Max 3 logically linked actions → In clear, logical order Before showing steps, say: "This section contains 5 steps." Yes, people skip less that way. 3. Each step should say: → What to do → How to do it → What to expect → What could go wrong 4. Keep steps on one page. Don’t make people scroll mid-action. Ever. 5. Never send people on a scavenger hunt. Avoid cross-referencing or make it clear. No “Go back to the mid-page 82”. 6. Don’t be clever with headings. Use short, obvious titles. And only one topic per heading. 7. Discuss user errors. Proactively. Anticipate misuse. Call it out. Help them correct it. 8. Now... sentence construction 101 ↓ → Similar ideas = similar form → Use active voice → Use verbs, not noun-ified verbs → Ditch parentheses for must-read info → Use consistent terms for device parts → No vague fluff like "ensure proper connection" 9. Acronyms and jargon? Use with care. → Define them once → Use lay language for lay users → Keep definitions short + clear → If you wouldn't use the word in a coffee shop, find another one 10. Final clarity test: Ask someone to read your IFU out loud. If they stumble → rewrite. If they need to re-read → rewrite. Clarity isn't a style. It’s risk control. Especially if you play the “Information for Safety” card as a risk control measure (cf. ISO 14971). Want the full advices + examples? Grab the full guide here → https://lnkd.in/dHXgc37y

Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of words at work? I realized my long answers were causing confusion and frustration. Clarity is currency. Yet we often pay in verbose explanations. Are your lengthy answers hindering your effectiveness at work? Consider these stats: 🔍 Boost Productivity: Employees spend nearly 20% of their workweek searching for info. (McKinsey & Company) 🧠 Better Understanding: Concise messages are understood 40% more effectively. (Journal of Business and Technical Communication) 🎯 Higher Engagement: Clear answers boost employee engagement by 25%. (Gallup) Here's why short and sweet is the way to go: 𝟭. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 👑 Short answers = crystal clear understanding. No more "Wait, what did you say?" moments. 𝟮. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 🔆 True knowledge isn't about complexity. Simplifying complex ideas shows you really get it. 𝟯. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲'𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 ⏳ Value others' time. They'll value your input more. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 🪟 Practice makes perfect. Soon, you'll be the office Yoda of clear communication. 𝟱. 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 🔂 Too much info is like trying to drink from a fire hose. Clear channels lead to faster, better decisions. Implementing the succinct approach: - Stick to the main points - Embrace directness - Use everyday words - Pause for questions - Practice relentlessly Mastering brevity isn't just about saving time. It's about increasing impact, fostering understanding, and demonstrating respect. It's a hallmark of great leaders and innovative thinkers. As you climb the tech ladder, remember: your words carry weight. Make each one count. Your thoughts? What challenges do you face in communicating concisely? How has brevity (or lack thereof) impacted your work? Share your experiences below. 👇

Concise communication doesn’t come easy. Maybe it’s tough for you, too. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or being judged. I get it. I used to struggle to express my opinion, especially in leadership meetings. If I had a different viewpoint, I’d hesitate. I’d over-explain in meetings and emails or just stay quiet. That’s not good. Fear held me back. Uncertainty made my words weak. The more I spoke, the vaguer my communication got. Important points got lost. Not speaking up sometimes led to bigger problems. But things changed. A former boss encouraged me to be confident and concise. We talked about this in our one-on-one meetings. Practicing conciseness made my conversations more productive. My team understood me better. I became more confident. If you struggle with being concise, you’re not alone. Studies show that many people over-communicate out of fear or habit. Similarly, a Grammarly study found that 57% of employees say unclear communication is a major productivity barrier at work. Here’s the deal about conciseness: It’s not about saying less—it’s about saying what’s necessary. Here’s how to sharpen your message and make a stronger impact. 1. Organize Your Thoughts (Or Ramble Aimlessly) - Clear thinking leads to clear communication. - Before you speak or write, ask: What’s my main point? - If you’re giving feedback, focus on key areas—not every detail. - A quick outline or bullet points before a meeting or email can help. 2. Lead with the Lede (Don’t Bury the Main Point) - People have short attention spans—get to the point fast. - Start with the most important idea, then add details if needed. - Say what matters most upfront. 3. Be Kind & Direct (Not Wordy & Unclear) - You can be clear without being rude. - Say what you mean with respect. - Conciseness and kindness can go hand in hand. 4. Make Every Word Count (Or Lose Attention) - Being concise isn’t about fewer words—it’s about the right words. - A message can be short but unclear, or long but precise. - Cut words that don’t add value. 5. Prepare for Impromptu Situations (Or Get Caught Off Guard) - Before you respond, pause. - Think about the shortest, clearest way to express your point. - The more you practice pausing before speaking, the easier it becomes. 6. Avoid Oversimplifying (Context Still Matters) - Concise doesn’t mean vague. - Some ideas need context to be clear. - Give enough detail to be clear—but not so much that people tune out. 7. Seek Feedback (Or Keep Guessing) - It’s hard to judge your own communication. - Ask a colleague, “Does this feel clear and to the point?” What’s the bottom line? Concise communication isn’t about saying less Being concise is about making your words count. Make every word matter. Stay clear. Stay confident. Lead with clarity.

"Remove all throat clearing." Great advice for anyone who writes legal texts in English. But... If English is not your mother tongue, you might not know what that means. Or, if you know what it means, you might not know what tangible steps you can take to remove throat clearing from your writing in English. So let's break it down. 🔍 First, what is throat clearing in legal writing? It's the unnecessary introduction or inclusion of prefatory material that doesn't add value to your argument or analysis. In plain English, it’s using a lot of unnecessary words before getting to the point. Why should you avoid it? 👉 It can make your writing vague. 👉 It often includes generic background information that your reader doesn't need to know (while obscuring important information that your reader might need instead). 👉 It sometimes relies on overly broad generalizations that weaken your argument. 🧠 What do you need to know about legal English to know how to remove throat clearing from your writing? 👉 Legal English typically uses fewer words than its counterparts in other languages, like Romance languages. So very long sentences are hard to follow. 👉 Even though legal English is more formal than ordinary English, you don't need to use long-winded phrases to introduce new ideas or connect previous ideas in your writing. We use pointing words, conjunctions, and other linguistic tools for that instead. 👉 Legal English prioritizes clarity and precision, meaning every word should serve a specific purpose. What can you do to remove throat clearing when English is not your mother tongue? 👉 Start with the Main Point: Begin your paragraphs and sentences with the core idea or argument. ❌ Instead of this: "Since ancient times, the legal system has been a complex web of rules and regulations. This brings us to the issue of liability in contractual agreements." ✅ Do this: "The issue of liability in contractual agreements is crucial in this case." 👉 Use Active Voice and Concise Language: Write in the active voice and be concise. ❌ Instead of this: "It is important to understand that the contract was breached by the defendant." ✅ Do this: "The defendant breached the contract." 👉 Revise with a Focus on Brevity: After writing, review your work to identify and eliminate any redundant phrases, vague statements, or unnecessary background information. ❌ Instead of this: "In light of the fact that the plaintiff did not receive the goods on time, which is a key issue that we must consider in this case, it is clear that a breach of contract has occurred." ✅ Do this: "The plaintiff did not receive the goods on time, resulting in a breach of contract." 📍 Need legal English conversation or writing classes for yourself or your firm? DM me. In the meantime, want to enjoy my free stuff? Follow me, Paula Klammer, and hit the 🔔 for more content like this.

Using million-dollar words might seem impressive, but they often miss the mark in real conversations. Here’s the thing: communication isn’t about sounding like a walking dictionary. It’s about making sure your message lands clearly and confidently. In my years of helping healthcare professionals refine their English communication, I’ve seen one common mistake repeatedly: people think big words = big impact.  The reality? Overcomplicating your language can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and even mistrust—especially in high-stakes environments like healthcare. Here’s what works instead: ✅ Clarity: Say what you mean in a way that’s easy to understand. ✅ Simplicity: Use the words that feel natural, not forced. ✅ Connection: Focus on how your audience feels about what you’re saying, not just the words you’re using. Language is a bridge, not a barrier. And the goal isn’t to impress—it’s to connect. So, if you’ve been leaning on "million-dollar words" to prove your expertise, here’s your sign to let them go. The clearest, simplest message is often the most powerful.

An often-overlooked use of a closed AI platform is revising and rewriting. Frequently, we're asked to draft long-form motions, memos, and correspondence. In firms, the first drafts are typically completed by more junior lawyers and then revised by supervising lawyers. To improve work product and reduce time revising and further revising, I recommend you use a closed AI platform (we use CoPilot at our firm) to upload the document and provide it a detailed prompt to clean up the written work product. An example of such a prompt can read as follows: Take the enclosed document and make the following revisions: (1) make every sentence in the active voice; (2) use strong nouns and verbs (2) reduce the adjectives and adverbs (3); make each sentence 15 words or fewer, preferably 10 words or fewer; (4) have each paragraph start with a topic sentence (5) include titles and subtitles in bold throughout to make it easier to follow (6) ensure each paragraph follows from the last and leads into the next (7) ensure each sentence follows from the last and leads into the next (8) use plain english (9) write clearly and precisely (10) avoid legalese (11) ensure the same terms and abbreviations are used throughout; (12) ensure the order and style are clear, concise and make sense (13) note if anything appears to be missing and identify what so we can rectify it (14) ensure the spacing, margins, and other stylistic items are correctly done. This type of prompt will ensure that your work product is clear, concise, and practical, and this process saves time when revising.

Neuroinclusive email etiquette ensures our digital communications are accessible to everyone, including neurodivergent colleagues 😊. Confusion can lead to waste effort.. e.g. doing the wrong work without the intent to do so.. By crafting clear, concise emails, we not only share information effectively but also create a more inclusive work environment. Start with a descriptive subject line and use simple, direct language. Break your content into short paragraphs or bullet points to help guide the reader’s eye 👀. A brief summary at the beginning can also provide clarity and reduce cognitive load. Also try these and more.... • Use clear, jargon‐free language. • Structure your message with bullet points or numbered lists. • Keep sentences short and to the point. • Allow for extra time when expecting responses, recognising diverse processing speeds 🤝. Adopting these practices makes our communication friendlier and more effective for everyone. Let’s lead by example and foster a workplace where digital correspondence is both respectful and accessible 😊.

How to Write Clear, Concise Emails That Get Quick Responses in IB In investment banking, emails are execution tools. A poorly written email slows deals down, confuses teams, and makes senior bankers ignore you. A sharp, to-the-point email gets quick responses and builds trust fast. Here’s how to master it: Step 1: Write a Subject Line That Gets Noticed Bad: “Question” → Too vague. Good: “Action Needed: Model Adjustments for XYZ Deal” → Clear, urgent, actionable. If it’s truly urgent, add “(Time-Sensitive)” or “(EOD Action Required)” in the subject. Step 2: Get to the Point in the First Line Senior bankers skim emails. The first line should tell them exactly why you’re emailing. - Bad: “Hope you’re doing well. Just following up regarding the model updates we discussed yesterday. Wanted to check if you had any inputs before we proceed further.” - Good: “Attached is the updated model for XYZ. Key changes: [1] Revised revenue assumptions, [2] Updated comps. Let me know if this works or if any refinements are needed.” The first two sentences should make sense even if the recipient doesn’t read the rest. Step 3: Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs IB rule: No one has time for long blocks of text. Bad: "The attached file contains the updated valuation comps. We revised the EBITDA multiples to reflect recent market movements, and the P/E ratios have been adjusted as well. The deal team may want to review these adjustments before sending them to the client. Please review and let me know your thoughts." Good: "Attached: Updated valuation comps. Key changes: - EBITDA multiples adjusted for recent market trends - P/E ratios revised based on latest earnings data - Ready for client review—flag if any adjustments needed." Bullet points keep emails skimmable and actionable. Step 4: Always Clarify Action Items & Deadlines Every email should end with clarity on next steps. Bad: “Let me know what you think.” Good: “Please review and send feedback by 3 PM so we can incorporate changes before the client call.” If no response is needed, say so. Example: “For reference—no action required.” Step 5: Keep It Professional & Error-Free - Check for typos (F7 in Outlook for spell check) - No unnecessary “Just following up…”—get to the point - End with a strong closing: “Let me know if you need any refinements.” A Good Email = Faster Deals, Fewer Mistakes Follow Pratik - for investment banking careers and education

I knew what I wanted to say, so why was I not able to share it clearly and confidently? Have you ever felt the same after a meeting or a conversation? Here is why it happens, • No single headline - Our brain holds too many thoughts fighting to get out at once, thus everything feels blurred. • No structure - Only thoughts, without a structure, that to the listener is like them standing at a crossroad, not knowing where to go. • Detail drowning - We want to be perfect and this makes us freeze or over-explain. How do we fix it? We can apply this 3C Formula - 1. Clear main idea. Write your thought in one sentence. 2. Crisp Structure - HSC - Honest headline, Strong support and Clear close. Use short sentences and simple words. 3. Calm Delivery – Pause, breathe and smile. Give your words a chance to land. Example of HSC - Main Idea - Priority Alignment Headline “I truly value being considered for this project. However, at the moment it seems difficult to commit.” Support “My current focus is on meeting deadlines for the high-stakes ABC project, and taking on additional tasks may affect the quality of my work.” Close “I will need to decline this time, but I sincerely appreciate the opportunity. If this is a high priority, XYZ is well-suited to handle it." Clarity is not about knowing English better or being perfect. It is about slowing down, simplifying, and structuring. #Communication #ProfessionalSpeaker #communicationskillscatalyst #publicspeakingcoach #express