brevity

Thinking this morning about the power of brevity. The more people talk, the less they say… and less we listen. We really do waste a lot of words.

Earnest Hemingway was challenged to write a story using only six words. People doubted it could be done. Hemingway took up the challenge and here is the story he wrote:

“Baby shoes. For sale. Never worn.”

Think on it for a minute and you’ll see that those six words tell a big story.

The words are clear. They evoke emotion. They invite imagination.

Whenever you write or speak, remember: the words you include can make it good, but only the words you take out can make it great.

Can you write a story in six words?