Warren Buffett's guide to writing in plain EnglishOne of the world's most famous and successful investors - Warren Buffett, prefers to write in plain English. He wrote the preface in the Plain English Handbook, published by the US Securities and Exchange Commission - which gives some useful advice: "Write with a specific person in mind." "When writing Berkshire Hathaway's annual report, I pretend that I'm talking to my sisters. I have no trouble picturing them: though highly intelligent, they are not experts in accounting or finance. They will understand plain English, but jargon may puzzle them." "My goal is simply to give them the information I would wish them to supply me if our positions were reversed. To succeed, I don't need to be Shakespeare; I must, though, have a sincere desire to inform." - Warren Buffett Here, he captures the essence of writing in plain language, making four key points: Keep your reader in mind Use clear, simple language Avoid technical jargon and gobbledygook Write to inform not to impress If writing plainly is good enough for Mr Buffett, it's good enough for anyone. Here's how he does it: How to write like Warren Buffett
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