Why do we so often choose words to communicate? At times do you think that other forms of communication may be much more effective? And do you think that we fill our lives with unnecessary and trivial words?
Sometimes words are the least effective mode of communication. If you really want to show someone that you care, what would be better: 1) Giving them a hug -or- 2) Saying “I really care about you.” I would think giving a hug would be more effective. Or what about when someone dies–you’re offering consolation to those affected the most, which is better: 1) Giving them a hug -or- 2) Saying “They had a great life, and I know God’s will is being done.” Both options may be technically correct, but the touch is more effective.
How about telling stories. Today, Joe White talked about a man who completed the Iron Man race. Except this man carried his 38-year-old son (who has cerebral palsy) along with him. Everyone in the audience was fine until we watched the video–then most of the audience was in tears.
Take an episode of Lost. It seems like every week there is a reflective time with footage and some music. No words. But the story is being told.
Or the movie Crash…toward the end of the film, you saw compelling camera angles and simple, reflective music. The story was told. But words weren’t there.
We speak so much and say so little. When something needs to be “said” we always default to words. And this isn’t always a bad thing either…but words have so much power to hurt–especially when you are using too many.
I also wonder about teaching. Why do we expect people to learn so much only using words. There are so many powerful additive mediums that could improve people’s ability to learn. I think that’s why some churches are so big–they use media powerfully and compelling to acentuate what the words are saying.
How do you use words?

I found this entry on Creating Passionate Users…it’s worth a brief read!
The question Kathy Sierra poses is: why do you write? Is it for facts? Or is it for understanding?
In order to be good writer, you must know why you are writing. And you must know what you want your article/blog entry to be like when you finish. If you don’t, then your message will not be effective.
If you don’t even know why you are writing, why do you expect anyone else to know?

Point Three: Avoid Cliches.
No one wants to read about how “the lightbulb was turned on in your head,” how that’s “over the top,” or how you’re “under the weather.” Like I posted before…use vibrant and descriptive language to illustrate what you’re saying.
Don’t resort to using phrases that are overused and odd.
On a similar note (and for the inspirtation of this post…) check out Design Cliches and Avoid cliches like the plague. They’re great and discuss design cliches (obviously). I recommend them too…

When writing, do not use superflous words (mainly adjectives) to describe what you do. For example, do not say “the premier home theater company in Texas.” You should say “We are a home theater company in Texas” and let your actions and work illustrate how you are premier.
I saw a web design website the other day: Infoserve Media. One of their tabs was “Professional Web Design.” Why not “web design?” They should let their work speak for itself.
Superlatives never really make you sound better…it just makes you sound arrogant, pretentious, or desperate. Thus…
Point Two: Let your words and designs speak for themselves and do not use unneccesary adjectives.

I have been researching writing lately. I have considered it both stylistically and content-wise. In spite of the fact that I’m not the greatest writer (we all try), I am going to share some of the really neat and helpful things I have found.
Tonight, I will begin with a quote from C.S. Lewis; I think it is a proper place to start when considering writing:

In writing, don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the things you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us the thing is ‘terrible,’ describe it so that we’ll be terrified. Don’t say it was ‘delightful’; make us say ‘delightful’ when we’ve read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers, ‘Please, will you do my job for me?

Point One: Tell a story when you describe things.
Look for part two later this week….