Cutting Corporate Bullshit from Corporate Documentation

Identify and Eliminate Bullshit

• Jargon:

  • Replace complex terms with simpler language.

  • Define technical terms for clarity.

  • Avoid using multiple synonyms for the same concept.

• Redundancy:

  • Remove repeated information.

  • Condense lengthy explanations.

  • Eliminate unnecessary qualifiers (e.g., "very," "extremely").

• Passive Voice:

  • Convert passive voice to active voice for clarity and conciseness.

  • Example: "The report was written by the team" becomes "The team wrote the report."

• Unnecessary Complexity:

  • Break down complex ideas into smaller, easier-to-understand points.

  • Use bullet points or numbered lists to organize information.

  • Avoid overly long sentences.

Focus on Clarity and Conciseness

• Write for Your Audience:

  • Tailor the language and level of detail to your reader's knowledge.

  • Avoid assuming prior knowledge.

• Use Strong Verbs:

  • Replace weak verbs with stronger ones for impact.

  • Example: "Use" instead of "utilize."

• Be Specific:

  • Provide concrete details and examples.

  • Avoid vague or general statements.

• Proofread Carefully:

  • Eliminate typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies.

Practical Tips

• Read Your Document Aloud:

  • This helps identify awkward phrasing and unnecessary complexity.

• Use a Style Guide:

  • Consistent formatting and language improve readability.

• Seek Feedback:

  • Ask colleagues to review your document for clarity and conciseness.

Example: Before and After

Before:

After:

By following these guidelines, you can create clear, concise, and effective corporate documentation that is easy to understand and act upon.

Would you like to provide a specific example of corporate documentation you're working on? I can help you identify areas for improvement.