Smart Brevity Book Summary - Smart Brevity Book explained in key points
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Smart Brevity summary

Jim VandeHei Mike Allen Roy Schwartz

The Power of Saying More with Less

4.2 (243 ratings)
17 mins

Brief summary

Smart Brevity by Jim Vandehei is an eye-opening book that explores the power of concise communication in a fast-paced world. It offers valuable insights and practical tips for effectively delivering messages in a clear and compelling manner.

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    Smart Brevity
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    What smart brevity is

    Think back to a time when you heard a story that meandered so far from the point, you forgot what it was about. This is the pitfall of polluting good ideas with needless verbosity. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

    Unfortunately, almost everyone is guilty of this. People, most especially journalists, measure their self-worth by word counts, when the truth is, readers don’t often read the entire thing, only a few paragraphs. This is why it’s essential to make news focused on your readers’ needs rather than your ego.

    Enter smart brevity.

    This approach to communication is about framing thoughts concisely. It’s a system that allows you to say more with less, combining smart ideas with brevity.

    The power of smart brevity lies in its ability to transform your writing from unnoticed to vital and memorable. Whether you’re a student, a salesperson, a CEO, or anyone in between, this method unveils the secrets to breaking through the noise. It makes communication more organized and teaches you that brevity builds clarity and impact in a world where time is of the essence.

    But, here’s the catch: brevity doesn’t mean omitting important facts or oversimplifying. Yes, you have to be short, but don’t be shallow.

    Sure, enjoyable lengthy prose still has its place, but for communicating vital info today, radically shorter, crisper delivery is needed to have people understand and remember. You need to convey maximum value in minimum time. Imagine specifically who you’re speaking to, tailor your message tightly to them, and ask yourself, what the one key thing you want them to remember is. State it clearly, directly, and plainly. Then stop talking. As PR executive Lisa Ross wisely puts it, “Just say what you mean, sincerely and short.” Authentic communication that’s brief and to the point makes people want to listen and remember, so stay focused on your audience and objective and don’t hide behind extra words.

    Putting smart brevity into practice can be a game-changer. It boosts efficiency, makes you a clearer communicator, and helps you stand out on social media by elevating only the most critical points. The best result? Crisper expression of and alignment around what matters most.

    There are four key elements to smart brevity that you need to apply to make every word count. And you’ll find out what they are in the following sections.

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    Key ideas in Smart Brevity

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    What is Smart Brevity about?

    Smart Brevity (2022) offers a guide to effective communication in an age of information overload. It emphasizes the importance of conveying ideas succinctly and clearly and provides practical strategies to streamline communication across various platforms, from emails and meetings to presentations and social media.

    Smart Brevity Review

    Smart Brevity (2021) is an insightful book that explores the art of concise communication, making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to improve their writing skills. Here's what sets this book apart:

    • Packed with practical tips and techniques, it equips readers with the tools needed to convey their ideas effectively in a time-efficient manner.
    • By analyzing various communication styles and incorporating real-world examples, the book offers valuable insights into crafting compelling messages across different platforms.
    • With its engaging anecdotes and comprehensive breakdown of communication strategies, Smart Brevity remains captivating throughout, ensuring that readers won't find it the least bit boring.

    Who should read Smart Brevity?

    • Professionals seeking effective communication skills
    • Entrepreneurs in digital media and journalism
    • Anyone interested in concise writing techniques

    About the Author

    Jim VandeHei is a well-known media entrepreneur who cofounded Axios and Politico, both of which are renowned for their impactful and concise reporting style.

    Mike Allen, a former White House correspondent, is a cofounder of Axios and author of the company’s newsletters.

    Roy Schwartz, also a cofounder of Axios, is the former executive of Politico and a renowned speaker.

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    Smart Brevity FAQs 

    What is the main message of Smart Brevity?

    The main message of Smart Brevity is effective communication through concise and impactful writing.

    How long does it take to read Smart Brevity?

    The reading time for Smart Brevity may vary, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Smart Brevity a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Smart Brevity is worth reading for its practical tips and insights into concise writing techniques.

    Who is the author of Smart Brevity?

    The authors of Smart Brevity are Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz.

    What to read after Smart Brevity?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Smart Brevity, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Communication Code by Jeremie Kubicek & Steve Cockram
    • Sensitive by Jenn Granneman & Andre Sólo
    • The Art of Explanation by Ros Atkins
    • How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
    • On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
    • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
    • One Second Ahead by Rasmus Hougaard
    • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
    • The Busy Brain Cure by Romie Mushtaq
    • David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell