This is the second post in a series on blog writing. These posts are based on ideas from a great little book called The Elements of Business Writing
Avoid Hedging Words
“In my opinion…” “I think…” “Probably…”
“Likely…” “Practically…” “Hopefully…”
“As I understand it…”
These are hedging words and phrases that suck all the authority and confidence from your writing. Other than separating fact from opinion, avoid them. Hedging makes your writing seem dishonest, as though you can’t fully commit to what you’re saying. Hedging does not inspire trust. Note the difference between this:
You should probably learn about SEO and possibly social media to somewhat succeed as a blogger.
And this:
Learn SEO and social media to succeed as a blogger.
You Can’t Have it Both Ways
You cannot expect to be viewed as an authority on a subject if you try to take back what you’re saying as you say it. The effects of hedging language are subtly devastating to the response of your readers to your writing–if you can grow much of an audience in the first place writing like that.
The problem is we do this instinctively, because we don’t like to be called out for being wrong. We don’t want to be blamed for being incorrect. If you want to succeed in blogging, you have to be willing to put your head on the chopping block. You have to be willing to be wrong.
Before you hit that Publish button, go back over your posts and remove these hedging words. Stand by your own words and let them speak for you in an authoritative, confident voice.
The next post in the series is: Don’t Get Mad, Get Persuasive. If you don’t want to miss it, you’d better subscribe!
20 Comments
Michael,
I just hacked off 17 words from tomorrow’s post.
Thanks,
John
Those hedging words are the number one thing I’ve cut from my writing. It really does make a world of difference.
@Writer Dad - “Those hedging words are the number one thing I’ve cut from my writing. It
really does makemakes a world of difference.”Hi,
I didn’t knew that; I’ve learned something today.
Thank you
Don’t Hedge. Tell it like it is. Succinct.
I see people using the word “just” all the time, too. I think 9 times out of 10 you can probably remove it.
Great advice! It definitely convicted me! Thank you.
Another good place to learn to cut out hedging is when you’re talking to others face to face. It’s the rare occasion that hedging wile talking will be of help, but most of the time it will just make you look under confident.
@John Hoff… The word ‘just’ is definitely one I need to work on. Thanks for pointing it out, I wouldn’t have thought of it!
No problem Crystal, and that’s a good point you made how you can take many of the things we learn online, off.
Michael,
Here’s a question for you:
What would you say to someone who’s concerned that cutting out “hedging words” will make their writing bland and colorless?
John
Ack! I’m really bad about that, at least on the first draft of posts. Maybe I just need to invest in assertiveness training?
@John - I don’t see how hedging words add “color” in the first place, so removing them will not make the writing bland and colorless–only reveal that it already is. Exciting and colorful writing comes from the more “working” words in sentences: nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Michael,
Thanks for the reponse: “Exciting and colorful writing comes from the more “working” words in sentences: nouns, verbs, and adjectives.”
Right on!
John
Good point.Thanks for the tip
Thought you might want to know that your pop-up ad appeared below the viewing line on my screen and then froze my browser so I couldn’t scroll down to read it or close it . . . I came back to read your article (good info) and wanted to let you know that in case there’s something that you can maybe do to prevent this from affecting other readers, some of whom may not be as inclined to come back to read . . .
@Nicole - Funny you mention that, because the same thing happened to me when I went to Chris Garrett’s blog. I just hit the “escape” key on the keyboard and it disappeared.
Hmmm, I don’t know about this. Everyone says “don’t qualify, just say it,” but don’t you sometimes need to qualify your words to be honest?
Before the election, what would have been wrong with saying “Obama will probably be the next president?” Do you really need to say “Obama will be the next president” if you’re only 55% certain?
(If you’re spreading a political message, then obviously you should be overconfident, but I mean if you’re just calling it like you see it.)
And what about “some priests are child molesters” vs. “priests are child molesters.” The latter is irresponsible, isn’t it?
I’m just saying that as I understand it, I think we might need to consider the possibility that some qualifying words might be a little helpful, or not. (OK, that sentence was pretty weak!)
Great post, Michael, I really enjoyes it. this is one of those things that everyone needs to be reminded of now and again.
Isn’t it ironic that when we write absolutely we fear that we will anger or alienate others, when in fact nothing creates a more passionate readership than opinionated, absolute posts.
Keep it up!
well i think that Hedging Words is important to show your opinion and experience so that at least giving them a good image of what you’re doing
Hmmm, it seems to me that if you are truly unsure you should say so, if you are sure and confident about a topic, you should say so. If you adopt the “I know all” approach to all perspectives and the subsequent writing, then everything you write is reduced to hyperbole style of marketing jingo. That is as likely to turn some people off as it is to impress others. I guess if all you care about is making sales to a certain demographic, it makes sense.
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