Brevity: Less Really Can Be More

If I were being literal with this post, all it would say is “shorter messages are more effective.” If you get that, we’re already on the same page. If you didn’t, let me tell you about brevity.

So, what is brevity? It means saying what needs to be said and no more. It’s not about stripping away meaning, but about stripping away clutter. It helps you get your point across quicker and more clearly without losing the meaning. In fact, it can lead to better understanding and more impact.

In a world overloaded with information, attention is scarce. That makes clear, concise communication a real advantage. Brevity isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about cutting through. It forces clarity, shows intention, and respects your reader’s time. Whether you're writing an email, giving feedback, or pitching an idea, fewer words often lead to greater impact.

Think of some of the most powerful phrases in history: “I have a dream.” “Just do it.” “Think different.” They’re short, but they stick. Mastering brevity is about knowing what matters and having the discipline to leave the rest out.

Brevity Creates Clarity

When you're concise, you’re forced to get clear on what you actually mean. That clarity shows in your message. Rambling doesn’t just lose your audience. It’s usually a signal that you haven’t figured out what you're trying to say yet.

Brevity makes it easier for your reader to grasp your message. That clarity increases the chances of achieving the outcome you’re aiming for.

Say More by Saying Less

Brevity isn’t about being vague or cold. It’s about being precise. It’s the difference between dumping information and delivering a message that lands.

Effective communication isn't just short. It’s sharp. It hits the right level of detail for the audience. That means high-level by default, unless someone really needs specifics. You should say no more than you need to, but no less either.

The result? Messages that are clear, direct, and far more likely to get a response. If you want to strengthen your communication skills and understand why they matter, check out my post Communication Is a Superpower.

Churchill and the Power of Clear Writing

During World War II, Winston Churchill issued a memo to his staff urging them to write more simply and clearly. He asked for shorter reports written in plain language. In the middle of a global war, he still found time to push for clearer communication. That tells you how important it is. He understood that long, wordy reports cloud decision-making. Brevity sharpens it.

Orwell’s Timeless Rules

GeorgeOrwell wrote six rules for good writing. Two stand out here:

#2: Never use a long word where a short one will do.

#3: If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

These rules are simple, but powerful. They remind us that clear writing is not about showing off. It’s about making meaning easy to grasp.

If You Ramble, You Lose People

When your message is full of filler or over-explaining, people tune out. We all do. The longer you take to get to the point, the harder it is for others to know what matters. That makes your message less likely to land.

I’ve made a conscious effort to keep my work messages more succinct, especially in emails and requests. And I’ve noticed something: I get more responses. People engage more. Brevity works.

Brevity Is Worth the Effort

As the saying goes, “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” The quote is widely attributed to Mark Twain, Blaise Pascal, and others. But the point is what matters: brevity takes effort. It requires you to slow down and think more before you speak or hit send.

But the payoff is worth it. You don’t just communicate better. You’re more likely to get the result you want.

As I’ve written before in Communication Is a Superpower, clarity is one of the most underrated tools for growth.

Growth takeaway: If you want to be heard, don’t say more. Say what matters.