From the course: Writing Headlines

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Make headlines concise

Make headlines concise

From the course: Writing Headlines

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Make headlines concise

- [Voiceover] "I have only made this letter longer "because I have not had the time to make it shorter." That's a quotation from 17th century writer, philosopher, and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, saying what every writer learns the hard way, it's easier to write long than to write short. So headlines pose a challenge. How do you accurately and interestingly sum up an entire story in just a few words? And it's important that there are only a few words because long headlines don't just mess with your page design they're hard on the eyes. Potential readers should be able to absorb an entire headline, and its meaning, in one quick glance without stumbling over awkward phrasing and wordy construction. For that reason, you must keep your headlines as concise and efficient as possible. Don't utilize a long word, such as utilize, when you can use a short one, like use. And don't use two words when you can say it with one. Don't say, "If you want to resolve a conflict between "two people, you…

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