One way to make your writing more forceful and dynamic, whether you’re writing op-eds on behalf of a client or internal memos or even new business proposals, is to avoid using the phrase “I think.” Implicitly, when you write something you believe it to be so. There’s no need to precede it with “I think,” which can actually imply that you aren’t so sure that what you are writing is true or reasonable or sage or valuable. Say you’re a client. Which would you rather hear your hundreds-of-dollars-an-hour communications partner advise?
The first example sounds a little namby-pamby, as if though you’re suggesting it you don’t want to take responsibility for it. The second example sounds confident, implying you know your stuff (which, presumably you do). Keep in mind that the French mathematician, scientist, and philosopher René Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” He didn’t say, “I think, therefore I think I am” or “I think, I think, therefore I am.” |
Note: Not to be outdone by an upstart like Descartes, it was Dilbert, of course, who said "I get mail, therefore I am" and Gertrude Stein who said "I am because my little dog knows me" and Liz Winston who said "I think, therefore I am single" and, finally, Saul Steinberg who said, "I think, therefore Descartes exists."
Thanks again for a good tip. I looked back at a couple e-mails I sent out recently and there were "I thinks" everywhere.
Posted by: Ragdoll | June 29, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Descartes walks into a bar and the bartender says, "Are you going to have a drink?"
And Descartes says, "I don't think I am."
And he disappears.
Posted by: Abraham | July 01, 2007 at 02:59 PM
Abraham - fantastic!
Posted by: Dan Santow | July 01, 2007 at 04:36 PM
That's great advice. Good writing needs strong opinion.
Posted by: Matt | July 04, 2007 at 07:35 AM
Great advice and, as usual, I loved the title of your column.
Posted by: Tim | July 05, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Yep, this advice is reassuring. It's OK to be decisive! Something I struggle with at times...
Taking responsibility for your words, whether in conversation or writing, is an art.
Posted by: kirk | July 05, 2007 at 10:27 AM
Yep, I'm finding this blog's content a great resource. I tend to remember useful nuggets like these when I'm writing. So thanks!
Posted by: Stephen Davies | July 05, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Went searching for this post today so I could link my students to it. One class is learning to write journalistic opinion pieces, the other PR plans. I think...er -- This post serves both.
One more follow on the Descartes line. I remember a place in California called the Philosopher's Bar. Its slogan: I think, therefore I drink!
Cheers!
Posted by: Bill Sledzik | September 10, 2007 at 08:31 PM