Do I Make Myself Clear? by Harold Evans
Do I Make Myself Clear? by Harold Evans is a powerful manifesto for clear and precise writing in a world awash with confusing, inflated, and misleading language. Drawing on decades of experience in journalism and publishing, Evans highlights the decline of clarity in modern writing and offers practical strategies to fight back. His book is not just a critique—it’s a toolkit for better communication.
Who May Benefit from the Book
- Aspiring writers who want to write clearer and more confidently
- Professionals aiming to improve business communication
- Students who wish to sharpen academic writing skills
- Journalists and editors striving for more accurate reporting
- Anyone tired of decoding vague, bureaucratic, or corporate-speak
Top 3 Key Insights
- Clear writing is clear thinking made visible.
- The passive voice and jargon are major enemies of clarity.
- Good writing is precise, active, and often simple—without being simplistic.
4 More Lessons and Takeaways
- Cut the Clutter: Redundant adverbs, vague nouns, and padded phrases dilute meaning. Trim ruthlessly for clarity.
- Structure Matters: Sentence variation and rhythm engage the reader more than mechanical, repetitive constructions.
- Facts Matter: Vague writing allows misinformation to thrive. Clarity is crucial in preserving truth, especially in politics and finance.
- Tools Can Mislead: Readability indexes help, but they don’t guarantee good writing. Human judgment is essential.
The Book in 1 Sentence
A rallying cry for clarity, Do I Make Myself Clear? urges writers to strip away clutter and speak with purpose.
The Book Summary in 1 Minute
Harold Evans’ Do I Make Myself Clear? is both a critique and a guide to modern writing. He exposes how politicians, academics, and corporations bury truth under convoluted language. From sentence structure to word choice, Evans teaches how to communicate with precision and power. He argues that writing is not a talent but a skill anyone can learn. By avoiding passive voice, jargon, and filler, writers can inform rather than confuse. Through historical examples, humorous critiques, and practical tools, Evans revives the importance of readable, truthful language in a post-truth age.
The Book Summary in 7 Minutes
Harold Evans opens his book with a challenge: Can we still write clearly in a time of information overload? He believes we can—and must.
The Case for Clarity in a Foggy World
Confusion Is Everywhere
From academic papers to political speeches and product manuals, writing today is dense and hard to read. Evans argues that such writing often hides incompetence, deceit, or lack of thought.
Why Clarity Matters
Poor writing leads to real-world consequences—from misinterpreted laws to financial crises. Evans gives the 2008 crash as an example, where banks used jargon to confuse both regulators and the public.
H3: Common Enemies of Clear Writing
The Passive Voice
Evans urges writers to avoid the passive voice. Passive constructions hide responsibility and weaken the impact. Instead of saying, “The decision was made,” say, “The board decided.”
Zombie Nouns and Word Gluttons
“Zombie nouns” are verbs turned into lifeless nouns, like “implementation” or “authorization.” They drain vitality from prose. Word gluttons—phrases like “due to the fact that”—bloat sentences unnecessarily.
Abstract Nouns and Vagueness
Terms like “facilitation,” “issue,” or “concern” sound formal but convey little. Evans recommends naming concrete details to make writing more vivid and precise.
H3: Good Writing is a Skill, Not a Gift
Even Shakespeare Got Better
Evans points out that even literary giants like Shakespeare evolved. Writing well takes practice. He encourages all writers to commit to learning and refining their craft.
Tools of the Trade
He introduces tools like the Flesch-Kincaid and Gunning Fog Index, which measure readability. While useful, these tools shouldn’t replace common sense. Short sentences aren’t always better—they just shouldn’t confuse.
| Tool | Purpose | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Flesch Reading Ease | Scores readability (higher = easier) | Doesn’t measure coherence or accuracy |
| Gunning Fog Index | Estimates years of education needed | Penalizes complex ideas, even if well-expressed |
| Flesch-Kincaid Grade | Converts score to school grade level | Can reward gibberish if words are short |
H3: How to Write with Precision and Style
Avoid Sentence Front-Loading
Don’t start with a long list of reasons before giving your point. For example:
Not suitable: “Due to X, Y, and Z, the solution was delayed.”
Suitable: “The solution was delayed because of X, Y, and Z.”
Use Sentence Variety
Evans warns against uniform sentence lengths and structures. Mix short and long sentences. Vary tone and rhythm. That’s what keeps writing lively and engaging.
Make It Visual and Concrete
Use specific nouns and active verbs. Rather than say “an improvement was seen,” say “sales rose 10 percent.” Precision creates trust.
Respect the Reader
Write for your audience. Drop the formalities when unnecessary. Be honest and direct. Readers shouldn’t need a dictionary or legal training to understand your point.
Clear Writing Defends the Truth
Orwell’s Newspeak Is Here
Evans draws comparisons to George Orwell’s “Newspeak”—a language designed to limit free thought. Modern political spin, he argues, uses similar tactics to confuse and control.
The Power of Plain Speech
He references journalists, authors, and public figures who use plain language to tell the truth. Honest writing can cut through noise, inspire action, and hold power accountable.
About the Author
Sir Harold Evans was a legendary British-American editor, journalist, and writer. He served as editor of The Sunday Times for 14 years, where he became known for his investigative journalism and fearless reporting. Later, he moved to the U.S. and became president and publisher of Random House. Knighted in 2004 for services to journalism, Evans combined decades of experience with a lifelong passion for truth and clarity in writing. His legacy includes not only landmark stories but also a powerful commitment to empowering future writers.
How to Get the Best of the Book
Read with a pen or highlighter. Practice the lessons by rewriting your own writing. Apply tips immediately.
Conclusion
Do I Make Myself Clear? is a thoughtful and practical guide to better communication. Evans delivers wisdom with wit and urgency. If you care about truth and clear expression, this book deserves your attention.