One of the world's most famous and successful investors – Warren Buffett, prefers to write in plain English.
He wrote the preface in the Plain English Handbook, published by the US Securities and Exchange Commission – which gives some useful advice:
– Warren Buffett“Write with a specific person in mind."
"When writing Berkshire Hathaway’s annual report, I pretend that I’m talking to my sisters.
I have no trouble picturing them: though highly intelligent, they are not experts in accounting or finance. They will understand plain English, but jargon may puzzle them."
"My goal is simply to give them the information I would wish them to supply me if our positions were reversed. To succeed, I don’t need to be Shakespeare; I must, though, have a sincere desire to inform.”
Here, he captures the essence of writing in plain language, making four key points:
- Keep your reader in mind
- Use clear, simple language
- Avoid technical jargon and gobbledygook
- Write to inform not to impress
If writing plainly is good enough for Mr Buffett, it’s good enough for anyone. Here's how he does it:
How to write like Warren Buffett
1. Keep it personal – use 'you, we, us and I'. People respond more positively when addressed personally.
2. Use short sentences and short paragraphs – aim for an average of 15-20 words per sentence. Make only one point per sentence. Break long sentences into 2-3 short ones.
3. Aim to be understood – what you write must be clear on first reading.
4. Use the active voice – it's more vigorous and direct. It's also easier to read and understand:
– use ‘consider’ not ‘consideration’
– ‘appoint’ instead of ‘appointment’
– ‘notify’ rather than ‘notification’
5. Be economical with words – use only as many words as you need:
– use ‘A new bank account is being set up’ instead of 'A new bank account is in the process of being set up’
– ‘now’ rather than ‘at this present time’
– ‘for’ not ‘on behalf of’
6. Use everyday words and expressions – inflated words add little value; buzzwords even less. Stick to words you use in everyday conversation.
7. Get to the point – remember your readers don't have much time. Be straightforward. Free yourself of corporate mumbo-jumbo.
