Day 11: So What?
Cohort Day
11
Hi there,
Our next tip finishes the pointers from "Write Like an Amazonian."
3. Use the "So What" Test
Put yourself in the shoes of the reader.
Don’t let them ask “So what?” at the end of your post.
Your post should strive to communicate one main point. Your one main point should answer the “So What?” question.
Take advantage of introductions and conclusions with your posts.
To start the essay, clearly illustrate the “So What” in one or two sentences. Reiterate the “So What” with a brief conclusion.
4. Avoid Jargon and Acronyms
Adding buzzwords will not improve your writing. Use plain language.
Keep your writing simple. An 8th grader should understand it. Remember, we're aiming for clarity. We're not trying to impress.
Don't alienate the reader by using acronyms you haven't explained first.
5. Use subject-verb-object sentences
You might've learned this as using active voice over passive voice in school.
Active voice drives clarity.
✅ Bezos founded Amazon.
Subject: Bezos
Verb: Founded
Object: Amazon
Avoid passive voice. Passive voice is an object-verb-subject sentence.
❌ Amazon was founded by Bezos.
Object: Amazon
Verb: Founded
Subject: Bezos
Go Deeper:
- Check out “Copy of Writing Tips Email Sequence” for a copy of every email in this series
- Check out Cohort Resources for all resources
- Explore the Notion Home for cohort-specific information, like the Leaderboard