4 ms·

I read the article first to give it a chance and I have to say you're correct in your diagnosis. The author's main issue with his writing style is he makes log

by Dwolb 10y ago

I read the article first to give it a chance and I have to say you're correct in your diagnosis. The author's main issue with his writing style is he makes logical leaps without bringing the user along. He jumps from topic to topic without letting the user know why he's doing so. I think the piece can be improved with some structural changes. So I would recommend the author or other readers consider this style for structurally formulating arguments for essays or presentations [1] often used at McKinsey. (Note: I know McKinsey gets a lot of hate around here sometimes, but given their ability to consult with C-suite leadership, they're probably pretty good at formulating arguments/persuasion) [1] https://medium.com/lessons-from-mckinsey/the-pyramid-principle-f0885dd3c5c7#.1cqc3qqoh https://medium.com/lessons-from-mckinsey/the-pyramid-princip...

rodolphoarruda 10y ago
This also has to do with the differences between a high-context language (Portuguese) and a low-context language (English). Portuguese is my first language, and I can remember that I needed a lot feedback from native English speakers in order to fine tune my speech -- let alone writing -- so they could actually get it. RE: http://www.thunderbird.edu/article/understanding-high-and-low-context-languages http://www.thunderbird.edu/article/understanding-high-and-lo...
- Dwolb 10y ago
  That's really interesting - I hadn't heard of this difference between languages. Thanks for sharing. Do you feel differences in context-type of a language means persuasion techniques differ as well?
  - rodolphoarruda 10y ago
    I am not an expert on persuasion techniques, but if you take the same "logical leaps" situation you described in your comment and put it into the context of a business negotiation, chances are the other party may not feel confident enough to do business or simply to agree with you in some conditions because they don't get your line of thought.

by Dwolb 10y ago

rodolphoarruda 10y ago

This also has to do with the differences between a high-context language (Portuguese) and a low-context language (English). Portuguese is my first language, and I can remember that I needed a lot feedback from native English speakers in order to fine tune my speech -- let alone writing -- so they could actually get it. RE: http://www.thunderbird.edu/article/understanding-high-and-low-context-languages http://www.thunderbird.edu/article/understanding-high-and-lo...

Dwolb 10y ago
That's really interesting - I hadn't heard of this difference between languages. Thanks for sharing. Do you feel differences in context-type of a language means persuasion techniques differ as well?
- rodolphoarruda 10y ago
  I am not an expert on persuasion techniques, but if you take the same "logical leaps" situation you described in your comment and put it into the context of a business negotiation, chances are the other party may not feel confident enough to do business or simply to agree with you in some conditions because they don't get your line of thought.