Aesop, Abraham Lincoln, and you

Released on = May 28, 2005, 8:33 am

Press Release Author = Rix Quinn

Industry = Management

Press Release Summary = Many famous wordsmiths have practiced a powerful writing technique

Press Release Body = May I tell you about a writing idea shared by Aesop and Abe Lincoln?

Let’s look first at Aesop’s timeless tale about the tortoise and the hare. It’s the one that ends “slow and sure wins the race.” It’s about 160 words long.

Nearly 150 years ago President Abe Lincoln stood to address the crowd at a cemetery dedication ceremony. He spoke so briefly and left the podium so quickly, the photographer barely had time to snap a picture.

Yet the Gettysburg Address is considered one of humankind’s greatest speeches. And it’s only about 240 words.

Have you guessed what Aesop’s tale and Lincoln’s speech have in common? Yes…each is very short, well under 200 words.

Recent research presents convincing evidence that shorter, more succinct messages get read and remembered better than longer ones.

Next time you sit down to write a letter or report, remember Aesop. Remember Abe Lincoln. You’ve got a great advantage over these two magnificent authors. They’re not with us anymore. But tomorrow, you could create a classic.

Rix Quinn’s new book “Words That Stick: A Guide to Short Writing with Big Impact” offers lots of writing ideas for both students and professionals. It’s available from you local bookstore, or Ten Speed Press.

Web Site = http://www.tenspeed.com/catalog/all/item.php3?id

Contact Details = Rix Quinn Communications LLC
4212 Inwood Road
Fort Worth, TX 76109
Phone 817-920-7999
E-Mail rixquinn@charter.net