Directness

Directness is my default. I prefer communication that states the thing instead of circling it.

What I mean by direct

Direct is not rude. It is accurate. A direct sentence says what the writer actually believes and what the reader actually needs. It cuts hedging, filler, and the polite apparatus that exists to soften a point until the point disappears.

What direct is not

• Not blunt for the sake of it
• Not cold
• Not contrarian as a style
• Not skipping respect

Why I prefer it

Because it saves time and preserves trust. Indirect writing makes the reader decode intent. That is extra cognitive work for no gain. Direct writing gives the reader the signal and lets them respond to it.

It also fits my No-BS instinct. Hedged writing often hides fear, performance, or a weak point. Direct writing has nowhere to hide, which forces the writer to actually think.

Where it shows up

• Working with Duodode clients
• Internal notes and documentation
• Pitches and proposals
• How I ask for feedback on my own work

How it connects

Directness is a child of Communication Preferences. It pairs with Concise Writing and Clear Over Clever. It is the communication equivalent of Execution Over Talk.

Related

Communication Preferences · Concise Writing · Clear Over Clever · No-BS