Part 2/7:
Zinsser outlines four essential qualities of good writing: selectivity, confidence, refinement, and tantalization. Each of these elements forms the cornerstone for effective communication, ensuring that a writer’s message resonates with its intended audience.
Selectivity: Focus on a Single Idea
When crafting a piece, writers often grapple with multiple ideas coexisting in their minds. Zinsser advises that successful non-fiction should hone in on one singular thought. This concept allows readers to leave with a provocative takeaway, which ideally lingers in their minds long after they’ve put the work down. Instead of overwhelming the reader with various ideas, the goal is to deliver one impactful message.