Smart Brevity

Who is the smart reader for this exercise? What is an update or other topic you’re familiar with and they need to know about: Why is it significant? Jot down a few details. We’ll come back to them later:

Authority: You are a trustworthy source of information, and only an expert can understand an issue, evaluate what’s new or important and distill it in an accurate, interesting way. Be the expert, or find one. Brevity: You stand out for being respectful of busy readers’ time, giving them exactly what they need to stay productive, without leaving the

Offend me or confuse me and you’ve lost me. Not just for this newsletter or presentation, but for good.

Dig deeper into photo choices to avoid facilitating tropes, like illustrating #StopAsianHate by showing Asian takeout places.

Cut descriptors that may subtly reinforce stereotypes of people or communities. Consult resources like the Conscious Style Guide (https://consciousstyleguide.com) to learn about language to avoid.

If you’re not communicating inclusively, you’re not communicating effectively.

If you’re a CEO, leader or manager, you’re successful and hopefully smart. But not that smart. Show gratitude, admit mistakes, poke fun at yourself. It frees those around you to stop acting like self-important corporate jackasses too.

You need to connect with your staff at least once a week. Resist the urge to blow off the newsletter. If you don’t want others to slack off, lead by example.

Write with candor and authenticity. People aren’t suckers—they can sniff out a lawyered line or constipated corporate nonsense. Quit doing this ASAP.