Bad Writing

Summary

In this reflective story, the speaker recounts an important lesson learned from Mr. Smith, their high school English teacher. Initially confident in their writing abilities, the speaker was shocked to receive a low grade on an essay. Mr. Smith's feedback was clear: good writing is about communicating effectively with the audience, not indulging in personal self-expression. The teacher emphasized the importance of clarity and writing with the reader in mind. This advice has stayed with the speaker throughout their writing career, shaping how they approach their work even today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing is meant to communicate ideas clearly to others, not just to impress yourself or show off your style.
• 😀 The best writing advice the speaker ever received came from Mr. Smith, their high school English teacher.
• 😀 The speaker initially believed they were a great writer, but a disappointing grade on an essay led to a crucial lesson in effective communication.
• 😀 Mr. Smith taught the speaker that writing should be outward-focused—aimed at making sense to the reader, not just showcasing personal flair.
• 😀 Writing should serve the reader's understanding; it's not about creating complexity or using fancy language for the sake of it.
• 😀 The speaker was reminded to consider their audience while writing, as unclear or self-indulgent writing leads to poor communication.
• 😀 The teacher's advice emphasized the importance of clarity in writing: ideas should be expressed so that the audience can grasp them easily.
• 😀 Even years later, the speaker continues to reflect on whether their writing will be understood by others, remembering the lesson from Mr. Smith.
• 😀 The speaker’s writing now centers on communicating effectively, ensuring that the message resonates with the audience.
• 😀 This experience deeply influenced the speaker's approach to writing, leaving a lasting impression on their career and their understanding of writing as a tool for communication.

Q & A

What is the main lesson shared by the speaker in the transcript?

The main lesson shared by the speaker is that writing should be focused on communicating clearly to others, rather than trying to impress oneself or showcase personal style.

How did the speaker feel about their writing before receiving feedback from Mr. Smith?

The speaker felt very confident and believed they were a great writer, even at a young age.

What feedback did the speaker receive from their English teacher, Mr. Smith?

Mr. Smith pointed out that the speaker had written the essay with a focus on impressing themselves, rather than communicating clearly to the reader. The teacher emphasized that writing should be about connecting with the audience.

What was the impact of Mr. Smith's feedback on the speaker's writing?

The feedback had a lasting impact on the speaker, making them rethink how they approach writing. They began focusing on clarity and audience awareness, rather than simply writing for their own satisfaction.

Why was the speaker shocked by their grade on the essay?

The speaker was shocked because they believed the essay was one of the best pieces of writing they had ever done, and they expected a high grade. The low grade came as a surprise.

What did Mr. Smith mean when he said writing should be 'outward' rather than 'inward'?

Mr. Smith was emphasizing that writing should not be about showcasing the writer’s own ideas or vocabulary. Instead, it should focus on communicating ideas clearly to the audience, making it relevant and understandable to others.

What role does the audience play in effective writing, according to Mr. Smith's advice?

The audience plays a critical role in effective writing. Writing should be crafted with the audience in mind, ensuring that ideas are communicated in a way that resonates with them and is easily understood.

How does the speaker continue to apply Mr. Smith’s advice in their writing today?

The speaker continues to apply the advice by always considering how their writing will communicate with the reader. They focus on clarity and strive to ensure that their writing is meaningful and easily understood.

What was the speaker’s attitude toward their writing ability before Mr. Smith’s feedback?

The speaker had an inflated sense of their writing ability and believed they were already an exceptional writer, especially at the age of 16.

Why does the speaker refer to Mr. Smith's advice as the 'greatest influence' on their writing career?

The speaker refers to Mr. Smith's advice as the greatest influence because it fundamentally shaped how they approach writing. The lesson about writing for clarity and communication, rather than self-indulgence, has guided them throughout their career.