Clear and Persuasive Writing Techniques
his resource outlines essential techniques for achieving clear and persuasive writing, with multiple examples to illustrate best practices.
Understand Your Audience
Technique
Tailor your writing to your audience’s needs and understanding. Different audiences (clients, judges, peers) require varying levels of detail and formality.
Examples
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Example 1: For a client unfamiliar with legal jargon:
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Poor: "The plaintiff seeks relief under Section 18 of the Arbitration Ordinance."
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Good: "You are entitled to seek help from the court under a specific law if the agreement is not honored."
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Example 2: For a legal audience:
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Poor: "The rules say this is allowed."
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Good: "According to Rule 4.2 of the Civil Procedure Rules, the court may grant permission to amend pleadings."
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Why It Matters: Tailoring language ensures effective communication. Using jargon with a lay audience can lead to confusion, while oversimplifying legal terms for a legal audience may come off as patronizing.
Use Clear Structure
Technique
Organize your writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use headings and subheadings to guide the reader.
Examples
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Example 1: In a legal memorandum:
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Poor: A long paragraph discussing multiple issues without clear breaks.
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Good Structure:
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Introduction: "This memorandum addresses the potential liability of the defendant."
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Issue 1: "1. Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet the standard of care."
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Issue 2: "2. Causation: The breach directly caused the plaintiff's injury."
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Conclusion: "In light of the above, the defendant may be held liable."
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Example 2: In a letter to a client:
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Poor: A single block of text conveying multiple points.
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Good Structure:
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Subject: "Update on Your Case"
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Greeting: "Dear [Client's Name],"
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Body: Include clear sections:
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Current Status: "Your case is currently in the discovery phase."
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Next Steps: "We will be gathering evidence over the next month."
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Closing: "Please reach out if you have questions."
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Why It Matters: Clear organization helps the reader follow your argument and understand the key points, making it easier to retain information.
Be Concise
Technique
Eliminate unnecessary words and avoid redundancy. Use straightforward language to convey your points effectively.
Examples
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Example 1:
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Poor: "In light of the fact that the plaintiff failed to provide evidence, the court has decided to dismiss the case."
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Good: "The court dismissed the case because the plaintiff failed to provide evidence."
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Example 2:
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Poor: "Due to the fact that the negotiations were not successful, we will not be proceeding with the agreement."
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Good: "We will not proceed with the agreement because the negotiations were unsuccessful."
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Why It Matters: Concise writing is more engaging and easier to read, allowing the audience to grasp your points quickly.
Use Active Voice
Technique
Prefer active voice over passive voice to create more direct and engaging writing.
Examples
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Example 1:
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Poor: "The contract was signed by the parties."
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Good: "The parties signed the contract."
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Example 2:
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Poor: "A decision will be made by the court on the matter."
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Good: "The court will decide the matter."
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Why It Matters: Active voice makes sentences stronger and more dynamic, enhancing engagement and clarity in your writing.
Use Persuasive Language
Technique
Incorporate persuasive language that appeals to reason and emotion. Use words that convey confidence and clarity.
Examples
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Example 1:
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Poor: "Some might think that the defendant acted improperly."
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Good: "The evidence clearly shows that the defendant acted recklessly and without regard for others."
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Example 2:
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Poor: "It could be argued that the policy has its merits."
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Good: "The policy clearly fails to address fundamental issues that undermine its effectiveness."
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Why It Matters: Stronger language enhances your credibility and persuades the reader to accept your viewpoint, making your arguments more compelling.
Provide Evidence and Examples
Technique
Support your arguments with relevant evidence, case law, and real-world examples.
Examples
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Example 1:
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Poor: "Many believe the new policy is ineffective."
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Good: "A recent survey indicated that 70% of respondents found the new policy ineffective, as processing times increased by an average of 20%."
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Example 2:
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Poor: "The defendant’s actions may have caused the accident."
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Good: "Witnesses confirmed that the defendant ran a red light, directly causing the accident."
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Why It Matters: Providing evidence strengthens your arguments and demonstrates that your conclusions are based on factual data, increasing your persuasive power.
Anticipate Counterarguments
Technique
Acknowledge potential counterarguments and address them within your writing.
Examples
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Example 1:
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Poor: "Some might argue in favor of the previous policy."
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Good: "While some proponents claim the previous policy had benefits, studies show that its ineffective implementation resulted in increased costs and delays."
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Example 2:
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Poor: "Critics of the proposal have some valid points."
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Good: "Although critics raise concerns regarding implementation costs, the long-term benefits clearly outweigh these initial investments."
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Why It Matters: Addressing counterarguments shows that you have considered multiple perspectives, which enhances your credibility and strengthens your position.
Edit and Revise
Technique
Always revise your work for clarity, grammar, and style. Read your writing aloud to catch awkward phrases or unclear sentences.
Examples
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Example 1:
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Poor: "The statements made by the witness were deemed to be unreliable, and therefore the court ultimately disregarded them."
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Good: "The court disregarded the witness's statements due to their unreliability."
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Example 2:
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Poor: "In the event that the defendant does not comply with the court order, then appropriate measures will be taken."
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Good: "If the defendant does not comply with the court order, appropriate measures will be taken."
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Why It Matters: Editing improves the overall quality of your writing, ensuring that your message is conveyed clearly and effectively.