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Communication and Writing Skills

When in Rome, Write as the Romans Do

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When I started my doctorate, I struggled with adjusting to the norms of academic writing. It took me two years to get used to a rambling style that shunned the KISS principle. In business writing, this stands for “Keep It Short and Simple.” While there are other variations on what KISS stands for, all adaptations have the same intent: Complexity should be avoided, as simplicity maximizes the probability of user acceptance.

If transitioning from academia to business, you must shed your previous writing style and apply the KISS principle. The following are a few tips you can follow:

  1. Keep it simple: Avoid using technical terms or industry jargon that your readers may not know. Use simple words and phrases that are easily read and understood.
  2. Be concise: Keep your writing brief and to the point. Avoid using long, complex sentences that are difficult to read.
  3. Use headings and bullet points: Break up your writing into easy-to-read sections. Readers can then scan your document and find the information they need.
  4. Avoid unnecessary words: Eliminate words that add no value to your writing. For example, instead of saying "at this point in time," say "now".
  5. Focus on the reader: Keep your audience in mind as you write. Use appropriate language and focus on what they need to know rather than what you want to say.
  6. Proofread, proofread, proofread: This is extremely important. You can spend an hour writing the perfect email and forget to spell-check the title. Take the time to proofread your writing and have someone else review your document for clarity and accuracy (just like I did with this blog. Can you find any typos?). A typo can give a negative impression of your email even if the content is perfect.

In the 4th century AD, St. Ambrose was asked if local customs should be followed. Supposedly, he responded, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” My advice is based on St. Ambrose’s wise words: When in academia, write like an academic, but when in business, Keep It Short and Simple.