Academic Writing as if Readers Matter with Dr. Len Cassuto

16/10/2024 35 min Episodio 136
Academic Writing as if Readers Matter with Dr. Len Cassuto

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Episode Synopsis

Send us a text - your number will not show, so if you want a response include an emailIn episode #136, I welcome back one of my favorite repeat guests, Dr. Leonard Cassuto.Len is a professor of English at Fordham University and the author of the "Graduate Adviser" column for The Chronicle of Higher Education. He has written and number of books, including *The Graduate School Mess* (Harvard, 2015) and, with Robert Weisbuch, *The New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education* and we are here today to talk about his hot off the press publication – Academic Writing as if Readers Matter. Highlights: Let’s Get Clear: Writing that is difficult to read harms the relationship between academia and society.Writing as Communication: If the message isn’t understood, communication has failed.Storytelling Approach: Everything is a story (what story are you trying to tell?).Front-Load Main Points: Present main points early on to help academic readers quickly assess the relevance of the material.Writing as Thinking: Writing is part of the thinking process. Write to figure out what it is you are thinking, then start writing. The Blue Whale Metaphor: Academic readers are like blue whales, sifting through vast information. As a writer, it is your duty to make content clear and easily digestible.Clarity Over Complexity: Simplicity and clarity should be prioritized over complex jargon, which can alienate readers.Don’t Be Mean: Engage and connect with your audience, rather than distance them with overly complex language.The Importance of Revision: Good writing is often the result of extensive rewriting, helping to sharpen arguments and improve communication.Practical Writing Tip: Take the topic sentences from each paragraph and string them together to see if they tell a coherent story.Connect with Lentwitter: @LCassutoinstagram: l_cassutofacebook: Leonard CassutoGet his new book here:  https://amzn.to/4euGt4jEpisode #53 "Are we teaching students to be unhappy?" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/9484429Episode #69: "Career Diversity and the Doctorate" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/10148738Support the showSupport this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732Other resources at: http://Expandyourhappy.com Want to make my day? Rate, review, subscribe & share with someone you love.

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