When it comes to writing, there is no “one-size-fits-all”. There is no single method or formula in expressing one’s thoughts and ideas. Every topic demands a unique style of writing that depends on the main message, the purpose why it was written, and the audiences it was written for. But there is one way of writing that needs to be learned by everybody and that is “smart writing”.

But what exactly is smart writing? Let’s first discuss what it is NOT. Smart writing does not mean writing fast or doing shortcuts to avoid the hard work that comes with every writing task. Neither does it mean using deep words taken out of the dictionary, just to sound smart and impress people. Smart writing does not also mean strictly following all the rules and principles in every writing book that we read.

Instead, you can tell if you are writing the smart way if you have all these characteristics:

Smart Writing #1. You write and express your thoughts and ideas clearly.

One hallmark of a smart writer is his ability to express his thoughts and insights clearly. It doesn’t matter if the topic is technical or out of the ordinary because the smart writer has this ability to explain it in a clear and simplified manner. In fact, even a person who doesn’t have prior knowledge about the topic will be able to understand it. This is because it was explained in the simplest and clearest way possible.

Smart Writing #2. You use the right words.

Another important characteristic of a smart writer is his ability to use the right words. Unfortunately, many writers fall into the temptation of using deep, fancy or highfalutin words, just to sound smart. Some writers also use words they do not know the meaning of or are taken out of context. In most cases, doing so leads to confusion and miscommunication. However, if you use the right (appropriate) words, then you are most likely writing the smart way. If your intent is to be understood clearly and not show off your wide vocabulary, then you are doing it right.

Smart Writing #3. You acknowledge other people’s ideas or opinions.

There is truth to the popular quotation by Louise Hay which states:

“There is no new knowledge, all is ancient and infinite”.

Whatever knowledge a writer may have and may still acquire in the future must have come from somebody else. That is why a smart writer is someone who is humble to admit that some of his ideas came from someone else’s. Smart writing involves giving recognition to whom it is due.

Smart Writing #4. You know and understand what you are writing.

It doesn’t mean that you have to be an expert in the topic that you are handling. It only means that a smart writer knows and understands deeply what he is talking about. Suffice it to say that a smart writer knows the topic well, knows the purpose of what he is writing and knows who will read the topic he wrote. Gaining deep knowledge and understanding is very important as this will allow the smart writer to customize his writing not only based on the topic but more importantly, on who will read and benefit from it.

Smart Writing #5. You write from the heart.

A smart writer is someone who possesses deep passion for writing. He is capable of expressing his thoughts into writing for the purpose of sharing knowledge to others. He writes not to impress or brag about what he knows but to share his intense passion for writing and impart the beauty of expressing one’s thoughts clearly in words.

Moreover, a smart writer writes not only to impart knowledge but also to persuade, entice, and entertain people through his writings. Regardless of his purpose in writing, he makes sure that he touches the hearts and souls of all his readers. That is the essence of being a smart writer.