Precision

Precision is another remedy for wordy writing. Precise information helps get your point across, and can make your writing more persuasive. Precision sends the message that you know what you’re talking about; therefore, precise writing can enhance your credibility.

Vagueness – the opposite of precision – relies on general descriptors like most, few, significant, considerable, apparently and seemingly. These are problematic words because they are open to interpretation. The result is writing that obscures the value of specific data, and raises questions more than it answers them.

The sentences below express some research findings. Can you determine specific values here? Do you feel you understand the research results?

• There was a significant decrease in the number of emergency response activities from March to August 2010.
  
  (How much is significant—30%? 50%? More than that?)
  
  
• Most of the people interviewed claimed that complaints were heard but not recorded.
  
  (Does most mean a simple majority – i.e. over 50% – or is it closer to 100%? And how many were interviewed? Five, or 500?)
  
  
• Few people were aware of the changes to policy.
  
  (How many are few?)

© WHO 2011