Todd Rogers On How To Write For Busy Readers – This Week’s Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Episode #919 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to

In a world of information overload, Todd Rogers, a Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, recently published the book, Writing for Busy Readers – Communicate More Effectively in the Real World (co-authored with Jessica Lasky-Fink), as a testament to their understanding of the nuances of better writing in our text and emoji-paced world. Todd has dedicated his career to the study of efficient communication strategies, whether it’s engaging with families, students, consumers, employees, or voters. His expertise is not just academic, it is also deeply rooted in practical applications, as evidenced by his co-founding of the Analyst Institute and EveryDay Labs. These organizations reflect his commitment to using behavioral science for public good – from improving voter communications to reducing student absenteeism through better family engagement. At Harvard, Todd’s course, The Science of Behavior Change, is one of the most sought-after classes, a testament to his ability to translate complex theories into actionable knowledge. His role as the faculty chair of the executive education program Behavioral Insights and Public Policy, and his leadership of the Harvard Behavioral Insights Group, further highlight his central position in the landscape of behavioral science. In Writing for Busy Readers, Todd (alongside Jessica), dives into the challenge of writing effectively in a society that is bombarded with tasks and distractions. They champion the principles of brevity and clarity, advocating for the power of concise messages in capturing and retaining the attention of busy readers. Their book is a must-read for anyone looking for the balance between being informative and being succinct. Todd discusses the importance of standout subject lines, the pitfalls of overusing adjectives and common phrases, and the relationship between writing and persuasion. Todd addresses the impact of generative AI on writing, revealing his insights on how technology can aid in the principles of effective communication. Todd and Jessica’s work is not just about writing – it’s about understanding and engaging with the reader’s context and perspective. His insights offer a roadmap for writing in a way that resonates in a society where time is the most precious commodity. Enjoy the conversation…

You can grab the latest episode of Six Pixels of Separation here (or feel free to subscribe via Apple Podcast or whatever platform you may choose): #919 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

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