As George Eliot said in Middlemarch: “Might, could, would—they are contemptible auxiliaries.” Readers respond to clear, direct language. Tell them in specific language what you will do or what you want them to do.
Wimp-Speak | Power-Speak |
---|---|
“I feel that…” | “I think that…” |
“I believe that…” | “I am confident that…” |
“I’ll try to…” | “I will…” or “I’ll…” |
“…should be done” | “Please do…” |
“Action should be taken to…” | “Let’s take action to…” |
“…must be submitted” | “Please submit by…” |
“Forms should go to HR.” | “Please send the forms to HR.” |
“This should be discussed…” | “Let’s discuss this Thursday over lunch.” |