About this Video

• Video Title: LEADERSHIP LAB: The Craft of Writing Effectively
• Channel: UChicago Social Sciences
• Speakers: Larry McEnerney, Students
• Duration: 01:21:52

Introduction

This video lecture focuses on the challenges expert writers face when communicating complex ideas. Professor McEnerney argues that expert writing isn't about conveying personal ideas but about changing readers' perspectives by creating valuable and persuasive content tailored to a specific audience. He emphasizes the importance of understanding readers' needs and expectations rather than adhering to rigid writing rules.

Key Takeaways

1. Value over Rules: Effective expert writing prioritizes generating value for the reader over following strict rules. Rules are helpful for low-value, high-volume writing, but not for high-stakes academic work.
2. Reader-Centric Approach: Understanding the reader's perspective is crucial. Experts should consider what their readers already know, what they doubt, and what would make the work valuable to them.
3. Creating Value through Language: Specific word choices create value for the reader. Words that signal instability, tension, or challenge (e.g., "nonetheless," "however," "anomaly") signal to the reader that the work addresses a problem they care about.
4. Problem-Oriented Approach: Effective writing starts by identifying a problem relevant to the reader's community and offering a solution or new perspective. This contrasts with the traditional approach of starting with background or definitions.
5. Understanding the Function of Writing: The primary function of academic writing is not to communicate personal ideas, but to change the way readers think. This means anticipating potential reader doubts and addressing them directly.

Based solely on the provided transcript, Professor McEnerney suggests changing a reader's mind by:

1. Focusing on Value: Create writing that is valuable to the reader. Don't focus on communicating your own ideas, focus on changing the reader's ideas.

2. Understanding the Reader: Know your audience. Understand what they already believe, what they doubt, and what would make your work valuable to them. Tailor your writing to address their specific needs and expectations.

3. Using Strategic Language: Employ words and phrases that highlight instability, tension, or challenge in the existing understanding. Words like "nonetheless," "however," "although," "inconsistent," and "anomaly" signal to the reader that you're addressing a problem they care about. Avoid language of continuity and consistency unless it is to contrast with a stated problem.

4. Presenting a Problem: Begin by identifying a problem within the reader's community, establishing that the reader has a problem they might not be fully aware of. Then, offer your work as a solution.

5. Constructing an Argument: Don't simply explain your ideas; construct a persuasive argument. Anticipate the reader's potential doubts and address them directly. Use language that acknowledges the reader's expertise but respectfully challenges their existing understanding.

6. Knowing the Code: Understand the specific conventions and language used within the reader's community to signal value and expertise. Use this code to your advantage to enhance the persuasiveness and impact of your writing.

The transcript emphasizes that simply presenting new or original information is insufficient; the writing must demonstrate value to a specific community of readers.