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Priority #1 is being understood

Oct 28, 2025
1 min read

I talk a lot about reducing text because overcommunication is a huge problem.

I have thousands of real examples where I cut text by 50-80% without impacting content or tone. 

But, sometimes using more words is better. 

Your #1 priority is being understood. 

Your #2 priority is being as brief as possible.

If more words means more clarity, use more words. 

 

If 100% of your audience clearly understands what you mean when you say "collective impact", it's fine as is. 

If less than 100% understand it, you have 2 options:

1. Choose a different set of words to describe what you mean. If you're struggling you can ask AI to provide 10 possible ways to simply explain "collective impact". 

2. Continue to use "collective impact" and also include a simple description of what you mean.

 

Being understood by everyone isn't always easy. It requires empathy, awareness, and practice. 

 
 
 

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