Write Like an Amazonian: 14 Tips for Clear and Persuasive Communication

Effective communication is key to the success of any business, and at Amazon, the company places a strong emphasis on teaching its employees how to write clearly and persuasively. In this post, we’ll share 14 tips for writing like an Amazonian. From using short sentences and replacing adjectives with data, to eliminating weasel words and avoiding jargon and acronyms, these tips cover a range of strategies for crafting clear, concise, and persuasive communications. Whether you’re a business professional looking to improve your writing skills or simply want to learn from the best, these tips will help you write with precision and purpose.

Now, let’s dive into the writing tips that will help you write like an Amazonian.

1. Use short sentences (fewer than 30 words) to help readers understand and retain information. Short sentences are easier to read and understand, which is especially important when writing for an audience that may not be familiar with your topic. By focusing on one idea per sentence and eliminating unnecessary words, you can make your writing more effective and ensure that your message is received clearly.
2. Replace adjectives with data to make your writing more specific and objective. Instead of using words like “excellent” or “outstanding,” provide concrete data to support your claims. For example, instead of saying “our product is exceptional,” you could say “our product has a customer satisfaction rate of 95%.” By using data, you can provide evidence for your assertions and make your writing more persuasive.
3. Eliminate weasel words and vague language to make your writing more concrete and clear. Words like “may,” “might,” and “could” can weaken your writing and make it less convincing. Instead, use specific language that clearly conveys your ideas. For example, instead of saying “our product might increase efficiency,” you could say “our product has been shown to increase efficiency by 20%.” By using precise language, you can make your writing more effective and easier to understand.
4. Use the “so-what” test to ensure that your writing conveys a clear purpose or message. Before you send a document or email, ask yourself if the reader will understand why you are writing and what action you want them to take. If you can’t answer these questions, your writing may not be clear or effective. Make sure to include a clear purpose and call to action in your writing to ensure that your message is received and understood.
5. Avoid using adverbs and unnecessary qualifications in your writing to make it more direct and decisive. Adverbs, such as “very” or “really,” and unnecessary qualifications, such as “I think” or “it seems,” can weaken your message and make it less convincing. Instead, use concrete and specific language to make your points more effectively.
6. Be objective in your writing and avoid using jargon and acronyms that may exclude non-experts or newcomers. Jargon and acronyms can be confusing and off-putting to readers who are not familiar with your industry or field. Instead, use clear and concise language that is accessible to all readers.
7. Use subject-verb-object sentences to make your writing more concise and easy to understand. This structure puts the most important information at the beginning of the sentence, making it clear and easy to follow.
8. Keep your audience in mind and tailor your writing to their needs and level of understanding. Consider their level of knowledge and expertise, and adjust your language and tone accordingly. Use clear and concise language that is appropriate for your audience and helps them understand your message.
9. Use descriptive language to help readers visualize and understand your ideas. By using vivid and specific language, you can paint a clear picture for your readers and help them understand and remember your ideas more easily. For example, instead of saying “The new product is innovative,” you could say “The new product features a sleek design and intuitive user interface that make it easy for customers to interact with.”
10. Explain technical terms clearly to ensure that your writing is accessible to all readers. Not everyone is familiar with technical terms, so it’s important to define them and explain their meanings when you first use them. This will help you avoid alienating any readers and ensure that your message is clear to everyone.
11. Reimagine your writing and consider using alternative formats, such as 1-pagers or 6-pagers, to convey your ideas. There are many different ways to present information, and sometimes a traditional essay or report format may not be the best way to get your message across. By considering alternative formats, such as 1-pagers or 6-pagers, you can make your writing more engaging and effective.
12. Simplify your language and avoid using unnecessary or complex words and phrases. It’s important to use language that is straightforward and easy to understand, especially when writing for a general audience. Avoid using overly complex words or phrases that may be difficult for readers to comprehend. Instead, use simple and clear language to get your point across effectively.
13. Use appendices to provide additional information and context to your ideas. Appendices are a useful way to include supporting materials in your writing, such as graphs, charts, images, or tables that help illustrate your points. By including this information in an appendix, you can keep your main document focused and easy to read, while still providing readers with the information they need to fully understand your ideas.
14. Use a RACI chart to organize and structure your ideas. A RACI chart is a tool that helps clarify roles and responsibilities in a project or process. It stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, and it helps ensure that everyone involved in a project knows their role and what is expected of them. By using a RACI chart, you can make your writing more organized and easy to follow, and help ensure that your project is run smoothly and efficiently.

By following these tips, you can improve your writing skills and effectively communicate your ideas to your audience. Whether you’re writing a business report, a proposal, or an email, these tips will help you get your message across clearly and persuasively. So, next time you sit down to write, keep these tips in mind and see how they can help you write like an Amazonian. Focus on clarity, concision, and effectiveness, and you’ll be able to craft persuasive and compelling communications that get results. Whether you’re writing emails, reports, or presentations, these tips will help you create clear and concise messages that your readers can easily understand and remember.

Please note that the tips and strategies outlined in this blog are based on my own research and are not affiliated with Amazon in any way.

References:

• Sheridan, Danny “Fact of the Day 1” https://medium.com/@dannysheridan.
• Garcia, Alex “Use these 7 threads to master copywriting” https://twitter.com/alexgarcia_atx/status/1405155705477156866.