Post: Verbosity versus laconic writing

writing

How many are too many when it comes to word count? The answer depends on several factors, such as whether you’re writing an assignment for an employer, penning your next great novel or freestyling it at home for practice. If you earn an income as a copywriter, for instance, it would not be uncommon for you to be restricted by a specific word count or, at least, a ballpark goal. As per usual, though, do you tend to be verbose or laconic in your writing? 

Verbosity is a habit many writers develop. If you’re a professional writer whose editors are constantly sending things back with instructions to “cut words” or “strive to be concise,” you might have a “verbose” writing style. On the other hand, if your editors say things like, “Try to give me some more detail here,” or “Can you expand on this topic?” it might mean that you tend to be more laconic than verbose in your writings. Is one better or worse than the other? 

Some readers enjoy the verbosity of writers like Charles Dickens

Avid readers of classic literature would no doubt think of Charles Dickens if asked to call to mind a famous writer known for being verbose. It’s notable that, during Dickens’ time, writers would commit to a certain number of chapters or pages, etc., which might explain the habit of using more words than necessary in a story. They weren’t paid “by the word,” per se, but were often committed (by contract) to a specific length.

Isn’t it better to say too much than not enough?

A laconic writing style is basically the opposite of verbosity. A person who is verbally laconic is someone who might answer a question, such as “How was the party?” or “Did you have a nice time?” by replying, “Fine” or “Yes,” without offering any additional details. Laconicism in writing can be a good thing (to be concise) or not (to lack sufficient detail). 

While it is definitely possible to get your point across by writing, “There was a house on the hill,” your reader might appreciate further detail to help form an image in his or her mind. “There was an old, dilapidated house on the hill.” The latter sentence is likely to spur similar images in the minds of various readers. With the former sentence, however, one reader might picture a pristine mansion, while another imagines a country cottage with a white picket fence. 

Finding a balance is the key to successful writing

Remember that a reader who has just picked up your book is going to have an encounter with you through your characters and story. You don’t want to leave a reader feeling disappointed or wishing you had “given more.” At the same time, you also want to avoid “endless chatter” in your stories, which is tiring to read and risks boredom. 

Some parts of your story might merit more lengthy or descriptive language, while other sections should be more concise. Remember that verbosity and laconicism are both extremes. Being verbose is using more words than necessary. It is excessive jargon, which can make prose difficult to understand. On the surface, being laconic might seem a desirable attribute. However, as a writer, you run the risk of coming across as “too blunt,” or “terse.” 

Write, edit, revise, repeat

No two writing endeavors are exactly the same. You might determine it appropriate to use more descriptive language in a particular piece of writing than another. Keep in mind that avid readers can spot “fluff” writing a mile away. They want substance. They want meaning. Don’t be afraid to make deletions as needed or to add words if you feel like a certain paragraph or sentence is missing something. Try to let each writing project unfold in its own, unique way.