Writing Effectively with Larry McInerney

Introduction

• Speaker: Larry McInerney
• Position: Head of the Writing Program at the University of Chicago
• Consulting Practice: Works with universities, professional firms, NGOs, and policy institutes.
• Purpose of the Session: To improve writing skills, especially for smart individuals who struggle with effective writing.

The Problem with Writing

• Studies show even intelligent individuals, including faculty and students, have difficulty writing effectively.
• The writing issues are conceptually simple but often overlooked.
• Many have done extensive writing but lack the skills to write effectively.

Why Smart People Struggle with Writing

• Key Insights:
  • Individuals have spent years accumulating knowledge through reading but do not express it frequently.
  • The education system does not focus on writing as a tool for communication with the intent to influence or change perspectives.
  • Writing is often treated as an academic exercise rather than a valuable communication tool.

Characteristics of Good Writing

• Four Characteristics:
  1. Clear
  2. Organized
  3. Persuasive
  4. Valuable
• Importance of writing being valuable to the audience rather than just a demonstration of knowledge.

Common Misconceptions About Writing

• People think they should avoid jargon or have short sentences without understanding the context of their readers.
• Traditional writing advice is often text-based rather than reader-focused.
  • Example: "Don't use passive verbs" is a text-based rule that may not consider the reader's perspective.
• Expert Writing:
  • Focus should be on how to use writing to create value for readers, not just to show what you know.

The Shift from School to Real-World Writing

• In school, students write to demonstrate knowledge; in the real world, they need to write to influence their readers.
• Writing outside academia requires a different approach:
  • Understanding who the readers are and what they value is crucial.
  • Writing should be aimed at changing readers' perspectives or decisions.

Examples of Effective Writing Techniques

• Analyzing Different Texts:
  • Compare writing in academic journals vs. media publications like the New York Times.
  • Academic writing tends to be less engaging and more complex, while media writing often prioritizes clarity and reader engagement.
• Valuable Openings:
  • Openings should capture the reader's interest and signal the relevance of the content.
  • For example, Roger Meyerson's work opens with statements that imply benefit to the reader.

Language as a Social Tool

• Language should be seen as a technique for managing the reading experience.
• The value of writing is not just in the content, but in how it resonates with the reader and changes their thinking.
• Writers need to consider their audience's interests and needs from the outset.

Practical Writing Tips

• Subject Focus:
  • When constructing sentences, focus on what matters to the readers.
  • The subject of the sentence should align with the reader's interests, not just the writer's intentions.
• Engaging Readers:
  • Use language that engages readers and addresses their concerns or interests directly.
• Trust and Value:
  • Remember that readers may not initially trust your writing; your job is to build that trust by providing clear and valuable insights.

Conclusion and Resources

• Emphasis on the transition from academic writing to professional writing.
• Encourage practicing writing techniques discussed.
• Availability for further assistance through email appointments for individual feedback on writing.