Write to impress or inform

 “Many writers write to impress and not to inform. Those who write to impress feel that it is necessary to use words that are uncommon, the more obscure, the better. They also believe that a complicated writing style is a reflection of a writer’s capability. The more complicated, the more learned he appears” – quoted from Malaysian litigation Practice Guide.

  

My style of writing

When I write, I always believe in plain language. Or should I say that I lack knowledge of archaic words that preventing me to impress?

I want it to be clear & simple. It serves me no purpose if my readers could not understand with what I’m trying to advise. The words like “herein, aforesaid, whereas, save and except any and all” drive me crazy.

I still remember that my Lecturer used to say, “When you say something is null and void, you are just repeating yourself. It’s like saying the agreement is “null and null” or “void and void”.

But I do sometimes try to impress my complicated readers with a complicated writing style (or is it my long sentences apart of my grammatical error that make their life more complicated?).

The phrases like “If it pleases your lordship. The argument I would therefore advance my Lord, on the facts of this case is that…may I invite my Lord’s attention to exhibit X…as to the law on this proposition, may I invite….”help me in impressing the Judge (maybe not!).

  

Conclusion

Before I wrap up, Please answer this question. Which category do you fit in? Write to impress or write to inform?

P/s some people will be impressed, some will not.

 

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