Write well. Start writing now. | Adam Benn | TEDxVitoriaGasteiz

Comments · 105

• RO

  @rohittinku1565 · 4 years ago

  So happy to see my favourite teacher giving a Ted Talk! Well done, sir!

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• BE

  @being__azim · 3 years ago

  3 Cs to write better - <br>1. Be clear <br>2. Be concise<br>3. Be correct

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• RO

  @Robusquet · 2 years ago

  As a published writer with many plays, books of poetry and novels around my belt, I can say with experience that the path is one of hard work, solitude, consistency, obstination, obsession, constant creativity, merciless optimism and ruthless discipline. I spent my teens and twenties preparing for it. I simplified French, created languages, etc. If it&apos;s in you, doubt will not surface.

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• WI

  @wilmarsalazar8877 · 4 years ago

  What a great teacher he is! Congrats Adam!

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• MA

  @maidulislam9911 · 4 years ago

  Mr. Adam is my &nbsp;favourite teacher on YouTube. He has taught me writing is not about using difficult word ; it’s simplicity. God bless you.

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• JU

  @juano.o.393 · 4 years ago

  My best teacher over the internet. I would love to share my stories, but first I want to improve. Thank you for sharing it.

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• TH

  @thanos.at.mountains · 2 years ago (edited)

  &gt; The spoken word perishes, the written word remains<br><br>Wonderful talk, thank you. Reading the book &quot;On Writing Well&quot; you mentioned, enabled me to communicate clearly, apart from improving my writing. <br><br>Here are my summarized notes from the book: <br><br>1. **Understanding Personal Narratives**: The book stresses the role of writing as a medium for self-exploration and documenting personal history. It highlights the trend of memoir writing in America, reflecting on the idea that many people feel a compelling need to record and share their life experiences, as a way of understanding their identity and heritage.<br>2. **The Importance of Rewriting**: A central theme is the critical role of rewriting in the writing process. The notion that effective writing often requires extensive revision is emphasized, underscoring that fluency in writing does not necessarily equate to quality. The process of rewriting is portrayed as a means to refine and clarify one&apos;s work, a step often underestimated in the digital era.<br>3. **Simplicity and Clarity**: The text advocates for simplicity in language, recommending the removal of unnecessary words and encouraging the use of the active voice. It emphasizes the elimination of redundant adverbs, passive constructions, and overly complex word choices, suggesting that these elements dilute the strength and clarity of writing.<br>4. **Role of Clear Thinking**: Clear thinking is presented as foundational for clear writing. The book posits that confused or disorganized thoughts inevitably lead to unclear writing. It argues that clarity in thought is a prerequisite for effective communication in writing.<br>5. **Reader Engagement**: The responsibility of making writing accessible and engaging rests with the writer. If a reader finds a text difficult to follow, the book suggests it&apos;s typically because the writer hasn’t been sufficiently attentive to crafting a clear and coherent narrative.<br>6. **Economy of Language**: A significant focus is placed on choosing words for their precision and brevity. The book advises against verbose language, suggesting that often a simpler word is more effective than a more complex one. It warns against the overuse of jargon, clichés, and trendy phrases, advocating for a language that is direct and to the point.<br>7. **Individual Style**: The book discusses the development of a writer&apos;s unique style, comparing it to a natural extension of their personality. It cautions against trying to force a style that isn’t genuine, using the analogy of a toupee to illustrate how unnatural and conspicuous this can appear.<br>8. **Writing for Oneself**: The concept of writing for oneself is highlighted, emphasizing that the primary audience should be the writer. The enjoyment and satisfaction derived from the writing process are seen as key to creating engaging and authentic work.<br>9. **Balance Between Craft and Attitude**: The book delineates a balance between mastering the skill of writing and maintaining an attitude that allows personal expression. It argues that both are essential: technical proficiency in writing and an authentic expression of the writer’s personality.<br>10. **Continuous Learning and Curiosity**: The importance of continuous learning and staying curious is highlighted as essential for keeping writing vibrant and engaging. The book encourages writers to remain open to new experiences and ideas, which can enrich their writing.<br>11. **Memoir Writing**: In discussing memoirs, the book emphasizes focusing on significant life events and using details to bring these stories to life. It suggests that the most powerful memoirs are those that resonate with the reader through the vivid recounting of these pivotal experiences.<br>12. **The Writing Process**: The book underscores that writing is an evolving process, with most rewriting involving reshaping, tightening, and refining the initial draft. It emphasizes the importance of viewing the first draft as a starting point, subject to substantial revision.<br>13. **Interviewing and Reporting**: Tips are provided for conducting interviews and reporting, emphasizing thorough preparation and focusing on the human elements in stories. The book suggests that the most compelling writing often stems from a deep understanding of the subject and a connection to the human experience.<br>14. **Organizing and Structuring Writing**: The organization and structure of writing are discussed as critical elements. The book stresses the importance of maintaining a logical flow and keeping the narrative engaging, ensuring that each part of the writing contributes meaningfully to the whole.<br>15. **Ending a Piece**: Selecting an appropriate ending for a piece is discussed as a crucial element of writing. The book advises that the story itself often indicates where it should naturally conclude, and that a well-crafted ending can leave a lasting impact on the reader.<br>16. **Respecting One’s Writing**: The final point emphasizes the importance of writers valuing their unique voice and style. It encourages taking risks and pushing oneself to excel in writing, highlighting that personal growth in writing often involves exploring and affirming one&apos;s individuality.

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• 1O

  @1O1neTake · 7 months ago

  Last quote hits quite hard. &quot;The spoken word perishes, the written word remains&quot;<br><br>Thank you.

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• BI

  @bijaybarik1834 · 3 years ago (edited)

  Ted talk is giving so much knowledge

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• JA

  @jaxconnor623 · 4 years ago (edited)

  The best writing teacher ever!

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• CL

  @claudineirobertopiske6120 · 4 years ago

  Hey Adam, you&apos;re brilliant and make learning English even more pleasant. I&apos;m only one of your passionate followers from Southern Brazil.

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• HA

  @haregka7430 · 4 years ago

  Congrats on your speech! Thank you!

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