Do I Make Myself Clear?

Why Writing Well Matters

De: Harold Evans

Narrado por: Greg Tremblay

A wise and entertaining guide to writing English the proper way by one of the greatest newspaper editors of our time.

Harry Evans has edited everything from the urgent files of battlefield reporters to the complex thought processes of Henry Kissinger. He's even been knighted for his services to journalism. In Do I Make Myself Clear?, he brings his indispensable insight to us all in his definite guide to writing well.

The right words are oxygen to our ideas, but the digital era, with all of its TTYL, LMK, and WTF, has been cutting off that oxygen flow. The compulsion to be precise has vanished from our culture, and in writing of every kind we see a trend towards more -- more speed and more information but far less clarity.

Evans provides practical examples of how editing and rewriting can make for better communication, even in the digital age. Do I Make Myself Clear? is an essential text, and one that will provide every writer an editor at his shoulder.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Sir Harold Evans' memoir-cum-craft manual in which he rollicks - with all the joy and adventurousness of a rock 'n' roll tell-all...Of the truly silly number of hours I've spent with my nose in the binding of books on the craft of writing, those I spent with Do I Make Myself Clear? were the only I spent smiling, in search of someone I could read aloud to."—NPR

"Mr. Evans's skills are on display on nearly every page of "Do I Make Myself Clear? Why Writing Well Matters." Writing a book about writing well can be hazardous for the author-reviewing one is risky, too-but in this case at least the author and his readers have nothing to fear."—Edward Kosner, Wall Street Journal

"Have you heard of Harold Evans? Sir Harold Evans? Of course you have. He is one of the greatest and most garlanded editors alive....As a master editor and distinguished author, Evans is well qualified to instruct us on how to write well. But can he delight us in the process? After reading this book, I can affirm the answer is yes."—Jim Holt, New York Times Book Review

"A writing manual so smart and incisive that it could surely benefit anyone-journalist, student, business executive, legislator-who has ever tried to craft an English sentence and fallen short."—Malcolm Jones, Daily Beast

"Going well beyond the typical style guide's proscriptions against the passive voice, cliché, and so on, this polemic on writing takes the view that "the oppressive opaqueness" of much contemporary prose "is a moral issue."—New Yorker

"Evans's book offers plenty of practical advice for those seeking to improve their writing skills, with a 10-point checklist to encourage a clear approach."—Financial Times

"In the tradition of George Orwell, who said that political language is designed to make lies sound truthful, Harry Evans reminds us how important it is to write clearly. Then he shows how. Those of us who have been edited by Harry marvel at his dexterity in unclogging dense prose, and in this book he reveals his secrets."—Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs and The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution

"A timely reminder that precision of language is the writer's greatest weapon. Harry Evans' methodical research and wry eye provide an entertaining lesson in intent, measured and exacting. At a time when public debate is shrill and filled by the overly assertive, Evans gives us a treat of a book that, through the use of practical examples, allows us to bathe in a language of clarity. Do I Make Myself Clear? shows that writing remains the gift of the ultimate explorer. Make more time for the journey."—David Walmsley, Editor-in-Chief, The Globe and Mail

Quality and Politics

Evans’ text is packed with valuable substance. Numerous examples drive home the importance of each writing tip. However the content is dry and the political commentary is excessive. If you can stomach the party preaching, you will likely learn something about writing well!

Tremblay’s narration is again a bright spot, well done.

A much needed message.

The book is dry at some points but it makes its points well and it's a message we all need to hear.

Inspiring

A work of inspiration for all who desire to be read, heard and understood. Guidance for all on the poetry of clear and concise language.

Get the printed book. Skip the audio version.

Harold Evans has a musicality with words that is lost in Greg Tremblay's narration. I found the reading so monotonous that I bought the book so that I could hear Evans intended meaning more clearly.

Way Too Political

Early on, the author is very focused on rules and concepts to help readers write and communicate well. There’s plenty to benefit from. The latter half of the book, however, spends too much time on examples of bad writing by lawyers and government officials. Not only does it seem these sections are designed to simply add heft to the book, but most of the examples used are conspicuously ones written by "diabolical" Conservatives or corporations. The shortcomings of Liberals and others are mentioned a few times, but quickly glossed over in favor of dissecting the unforgivable crimes of Conservatives and corporate executives. By the end, it’s clear the book’s purpose is as much to drag Conservatives and their supporters through the mud as it is to teach readers how to write more clearly.

Excellent, informative book

Applies critical thinking to the written word. Analyzes the difference between clear writing and sentence structures that obscure information. Included are plenty examples of the quagmires that writers fall into. For this reason, this book is also useful for dyslexics: some of their comprehension problems are caused by murky writing.

Politics

The information was good, but middle of the road on politics would be much better. Give a writing style situation for each group and flag the play on useless words, misdirection, and great works.

It is still worth it to listen or read.

Enjoy

I wish my English comp teacher was this interesting!

I great teacher of the proper use of the words.......to Communicate! I wish I had this knowledge when I started my career.

Too much politics.

The author's injection of his personal left-wing politics detracted from what was supposed to be a book on writing and was a real turn-off.