Writing is an art that provides profound satisfaction to writers. There are various writing styles; some choose to convey simple concepts in a flamboyant manner, creating vivid mental landscapes for readers. While others prefer a more straightforward approach by using words that are to the point without being imaginary and fanciful. However, there is a distinct category that stands apart from the rest — those who indulge in excessive and unnecessary verbosity, also called circumlocution.

Speaking of you, do your answers tend to turn into long, wandering stories when you are asked simple direct questions? Or do you get entangled in a web of words trying to pick the best, most unique and impressive one? If so, you likely have a habit of using far too many non-essential words instead of answering briefly and clearly.

Why do we waffle?

We all have a habit of blabbering on unnecessarily from time to time. Sometimes it happens without us realising it. Other times, we do it intentionally, there is no doubt that often kids think that the more words they use in their answer sheets or assignments, the more their teacher will be impressed by their skills and choice of vocabulary.

The truth is that this only diminishes the credibility of your writing. Using an over-abundance of fancy words when simpler ones could suffice also confuses the readers.

Some common reasons behind using wordiness:

• Trying to take more time if you don’t know the answer to a question immediately, especially during exams or tests.

• Attempting to sound very professional, intelligent and impressive.

• Fear of stating something incorrectly or being judged, so the more the words, the more you think you take away others’ attention.

Circumlocution can damage communications and relationships, and you end up confusing or boring your readers and the one you are speaking to rather than impressing them with your elegance and eloquence. So, let’s learn how you can teach yourself to speak concisely and write precisely to the point.

Speaking vs writing

Some people talk and often speak pointless without realising it. They keep explaining even when they don’t need to. Listeners get bored or confused and try to end the conversation or divert the topic. The only way to fix it is to say less and listen more.

However, writing is different because one has time to carefully pick words and plan out sentences, make corrections, revise and rewrite to improve clarity. You don’t get that chance when you are speaking.

In most situations, all this endless, pointless verbal waffling only makes us appear awkward or lacking in substance, rather than being intelligent. And confused listeners quickly lose patience and interest while waiting ... and waiting ... and waiting ... for us to arrive at some kind of clear point!

Tips to cease the circumlocution

Circumlocution can be corrected with some self-awareness and effort. Here are handy tips to help stop wordiness:

• Before answering a question, first think clearly about the key information you are being asked and that you should convey. This keeps your response in a much-needed direction and purpose from the start.

• While speaking, notice the eye expression of others, the way it changes makes it clear that you are wandering off from your topic.

• Keep your information to the point and don’t give out unnecessary information. Always ask yourself, “Is this needed right now?”

• Learn to recognise when you have fully made your point. Don’t keep repeating the same point in slightly different ways.

• In writing, jot down an outline first to help trim wordiness and repetition.

Quality over quantity

You need to consciously make an effort to become a good communicator and writer and commit to cutting the endless waffling while working on refining your responses down to just the most meaningful details which is quality over quantity! Sharpening these skills will help you become clearer, more practical and frankly much less exhausting for your listeners and readers.

So reread your answers, essays or assignments, catch the wordiness, the fancy but empty words, stop there and simplify. Trust your voice. Choose words with care — but don’t hunt for ones to sound smart. You don’t need to use Shakespearian language to write a simple paragraph on the environment when you could have explained it so much more effectively in simple casual words.

Just remember: be precise and concise, and stop endless babbling.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 27th, 2024