The View from a Drawbridge

The random musings of an autistic bridgetender with entirely too much time on her hands.

“You’re Too Wordy.”

When I make my point, I stop.

That little gem came from a coworker as her explanation for why she never reads my e-mails. I found this more than a bit ironic. First of all, as bridgetenders, it’s not like we’re inundated with e-mails. And when she generates one, it tends to be a long, emotional, slang-filled rant that makes her look, frankly, nutty.

I was taught that when sending a professional e-mail, you identify the issue and its history, you note that it now requires action and you propose a solution. That’s what I do. There’s really no point in speaking up about a problem if you don’t show that there are ways to solve it. No one really wants to hear you complain.

I admit that as a writer, I see words as my friends. I think of details as not so much embellishments as the particulars that increase accuracy. I tend to answer the frequently asked questions before they are even asked. It saves time.

As I’ve said in a past post, When I’ve Made My Point, I Stop. Am I wrong? Am I being too wordy? Please weigh in.

I’m not this bad, am I?

Hey! Look what I wrote! http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5

6 responses to ““You’re Too Wordy.””

  1. An Avatar
    An

    No. And pots that call kettles black can be ignored, or Dealt With.
    One person’s necessary particular is another’s embellishment, but still. I think you are good a slapping words together, and I am sure your work style is similar to this. Thanks for reminding me why I’m glad I am retired,

    Reply
    1. The View from a Drawbridge Avatar
      The View from a Drawbridge

      🙂 You’re welcome!

      Reply
  2. Lyn Avatar
    Lyn

    It depends on subject matter, and who your audience is, as to whether a detailed accounting is too wordy. In our attempts to communicate effectively, it’s important to avoid making an ass out of u and me by being too vague. Assumptions can be disastrous for communication. But, some readers/listeners are just destined to assume they know it all and can’t be bothered with the details. 🙂 I appreciate the clarity of your words and not having to guess where you’re coming from or going too. It inspires me to engage and leave my own, often wordy, comments. Hard to believe I’ve had essays called pithy by appreciative, overworked professors. Keeping my audience in mind got me a few A+’s. If I get wordy, with you, though, it’s because I know you love wordy challenges.

    Reply
    1. The View from a Drawbridge Avatar
      The View from a Drawbridge

      Indeed I do. And I look forward to your pithy commentary. Doesn’t surprise me that you got top grades. I still maintain that you should have a blog, too. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Angiportus Librarysaver Avatar
    Angiportus Librarysaver

    Not too wordy at all, and pots that call kettles black can be ignored or swiftly Dealt With. Lyn nailed it, about who is reading and how much they might need to know. I think you’ve got it right.

    Reply
    1. The View from a Drawbridge Avatar
      The View from a Drawbridge

      Thanks for the vote of confidence. I value your opinion.

      Reply

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