Why Writing Well Matters Insights From Do I Make Myself Clear

In an age of rapid digital communication, where emails, texts, and social media posts dominate our interactions, the ability to write clearly and effectively has never been more essential. Yet, many professionals, students, and public figures still underestimate the power of precise language. Anne Trubek’s book Do I Make Myself Clear?: Why Writing Well Matters cuts through the noise, offering a compelling argument for why strong writing isn’t just a nicety—it’s a necessity. This article explores the core principles from Trubek’s work and reveals how mastering clarity in writing can elevate your credibility, influence, and impact.

The Cost of Poor Writing

Unclear writing doesn’t just confuse readers—it damages trust, wastes time, and undermines authority. In business, government, and academia, poorly constructed sentences often obscure meaning rather than reveal it. Jargon, passive voice, and convoluted syntax are common culprits. Trubek argues that these habits don’t make writing sound more intelligent; they make it harder to understand.

Consider a corporate memo riddled with phrases like “leverage synergies” or “circle back.” These expressions may seem professional on the surface, but they rarely convey specific meaning. The result? Employees spend hours deciphering instructions instead of acting on them. In healthcare, ambiguous documentation can lead to medical errors. In law, imprecise language can change the outcome of a case.

“Clarity is not the enemy of sophistication. It is the foundation of effective communication.” — Anne Trubek, Do I Make Myself Clear?

Tip: Replace vague terms with concrete ones. Instead of “optimize performance,” say “improve response time by 20%.”

Clarity as a Moral and Professional Obligation

Trubek frames clear writing not merely as a stylistic choice but as an ethical one. When you write, you have a responsibility to your reader. Obscuring meaning behind complex language can exclude people who lack specialized knowledge—often those already marginalized. Clear writing democratizes information.

This principle applies across sectors. A teacher writing lesson plans should ensure parents and students alike can understand expectations. A nonprofit applying for grants must articulate its mission plainly so funders grasp its value. A scientist publishing research should avoid excessive jargon so findings can reach policymakers and the public.

Writing well, then, becomes an act of respect. It says: I value your time. I want you to understand me. I’m not hiding anything.

Key Principles from 'Do I Make Myself Clear?'

Trubek distills decades of rhetoric, linguistics, and composition research into practical advice. Her approach blends historical context with modern relevance, emphasizing that good writing evolves with culture—but core principles endure.

• Write for your audience, not yourself. Assume your reader is intelligent but unfamiliar with your topic.
• Favor active voice. “The team completed the report” is clearer than “The report was completed by the team.”
• Edit ruthlessly. Cut redundant words. Eliminate filler phrases like “in order to” (use “to”) or “at this point in time” (use “now”).
• Use short sentences when possible. They enhance readability without sacrificing depth.
• Read your work aloud. If you stumble while reading, your audience will too.

Real Example: A Government Memo Transformed

Trubek cites a real-world example from a U.S. federal agency. An internal policy document originally read:

“Per the established protocols, all personnel are required to engage in the submission of requisite documentation prior to the commencement of any offsite operational activities.”

After revision, it became:

“All staff must submit required forms before traveling for work.”

The revised version saves time, reduces confusion, and increases compliance. No meaning is lost—only clarity gained.

Common Barriers to Clear Writing

Despite knowing better, many writers fall into traps that compromise clarity. Below is a comparison of common habits and their clearer alternatives.

Unclear Habit	Why It’s Problematic	Better Alternative
Overuse of passive voice	Hides responsibility and weakens impact	“The manager approved the request” instead of “The request was approved”
Jargon and acronyms	Excludes readers not in the know	Define terms first or use plain language equivalents
Long, winding sentences	Strain cognitive load	Break into two or three shorter sentences
Vague quantifiers	Lack precision (“several,” “many,” “soon”)	Use numbers when possible: “three days,” “15 participants”

Tip: After writing a draft, highlight every adjective and adverb. Ask: Does this word add meaning? If not, delete it.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Clearly

Improving your writing doesn’t require a degree in English. Follow this actionable process to refine any piece of communication.

1. Start with purpose. Ask: What do I want the reader to know, feel, or do after reading this?
2. Outline key points. List the essential ideas in order of importance.
3. Write a rough draft. Focus on getting ideas down—don’t edit yet.
4. Revise for clarity. Replace vague words, shorten sentences, and eliminate redundancy.
5. Read aloud. Listen for awkward phrasing or stumbling points.
6. Get feedback. Share with someone unfamiliar with the topic. Can they summarize your main point?
7. Final polish. Check grammar, spelling, and formatting.

Checklist: Is Your Writing Clear?

Before hitting send or publish, run through this checklist:

• ✅ Have I defined any necessary technical terms?
• ✅ Are my sentences under 25 words on average?
• ✅ Did I use active voice in at least 80% of sentences?
• ✅ Can a non-expert understand the main message?
• ✅ Have I removed unnecessary qualifiers like “very,” “really,” or “quite”?
• ✅ Does each paragraph focus on one idea?
• ✅ Would this make sense if read quickly on a phone screen?

FAQ

Isn’t formal writing supposed to be complex?

No. Formality does not require complexity. You can be professional and precise without being obscure. Legal, academic, and technical fields often default to dense prose, but movements like “Plain Language” laws show a growing demand for accessibility even in official documents.

Can’t AI tools fix my writing for me?

AI can help identify passive voice, suggest synonyms, or flag confusing sentences—but it can’t replace human judgment. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor are useful, but only if you understand *why* a change improves clarity. Blindly accepting suggestions may lead to tone-deaf or unnatural writing.

How long does it take to become a clear writer?

Like any skill, improvement comes with practice. Start by revising one email a day with clarity in mind. Within weeks, you’ll notice sharper thinking and more confident expression. Mastery takes time, but progress is immediate.

Conclusion: Clarity Is Power

Anne Trubek’s Do I Make Myself Clear? is more than a guide to better writing—it’s a call to rethink how we communicate in a world overwhelmed by words. Writing well isn’t about following arbitrary grammar rules or sounding impressive. It’s about making your ideas accessible, credible, and actionable.

Every email, report, or message you write shapes how others perceive your competence and care. When you choose clarity, you invite understanding. You remove barriers. You make space for real dialogue.

🚀 Start today: Take one piece of writing you’ve drafted recently and revise it using Trubek’s principles. Cut the clutter. Simplify the structure. Read it aloud. Notice the difference. Then share it—and your insights—with someone who values clear thinking.