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CertainlyWorse  No one is coming. It's just you.  3d ago (text post)   891 thread views

Speechcraft and Pithiness: Give your tips here

This isn't a large question. Because of the users we have here, I think we could all benefit from short sharp tips to edit our own words.

In this topic, can you provide advice on how to curate yourself when you throw words in speech and on 'paper'.

Links to 'speechcraft' sources are appreciated.

I'll start:

  • Take a second to think about how someone else would hear your words if they were you. (rule 0)
  • Curate and cut your words before you throw them.
  • "Brevity is the soul of wit" - Hamlet - Shakespeare.
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proof-read yourself;

There are small things like this. Like 'walk away and come review tomorrow' in the same way you would with an important email.

I'm typing this out because I don't really want to take this on board.

I'm lucky because 90% of the time, I'm happy with my first draft. I know people who become obsessed with continuously editing and rewriting to the point they're never happy with the outcome. Usually I just look for typos and then let it rip without worrying further.

I think my web serial is well past several hundred thousand words, and most of it was written on the fly. This wasn't to its obvious detriment, and I'm pleased with its reviews.

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