In 1657, philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, “I would have written a shorter letter, but did not have the time.”
Many missed his advice, filling their emails, school papers, proposals, grant requests, and other documents with fluff. They seem to believe that if you say more, it will increase its persuasiveness or impressiveness. Not true.
Often, more just hides the main point and buries the important part of the message.
Aim for short and powerful. Writing succinctly may take more effort, but it is also likely to have a greater impact in the end.
