288. Todd Rogers. Writing for Busy Readers.
Todd Rogers
October 19, 2023
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In our information-rich world, crafting clear and impactful messages is crucial. In today’s conversation Todd Rogers, Harvard University professor of public policy, shares his key principles on how to engage your audience and ensure your message is understood.
Here are some of the topics covered:
Less is More: Everyone is skimming. Limit word usage and stick to the core ideas.
Make Reading Easy: Using simple words and syntax help guarantee that your reader will easily understand what you want to convey.
Use Formatting to Direct Your Reader: Headlines, highlighting and bold text are all signposts for your readers, guiding them to your main message.
Understand Your Audience: Write with an understanding of what your reader cares about and how it dovetails with the goal of your communication.
Make responding easy. Remove as much friction as possible. Make it clear what you want from your reader.
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Todd Rogers is Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is a behavioral scientist who works to increase student attendance, strengthens democracy, and improve communication.
Todd has co-founded two social enterprises. First, the Analyst Institute which focuses on improving voter communications. He serves on the Analyst Institute’s board. Second, EveryDay Labs which partners with school districts to reduce student absenteeism. He is co-founder, equity holder, and Chief Scientist at Everyday Labs (an unpaid position).
At Harvard, Todd is the faculty director of the Behavioral Insights Group and faculty chair of the executive education program Behavioral Insights and Public Policy (next taught in summer 2024). He is also Senior Scientist at ideas42 and Academic Advisor at the Behavioural Insights Team.
Todd received a Ph.D. jointly from Harvard's department of Psychology and Harvard Business School, and received a B.A. from Williams College, majoring in both Religion and Psychology.
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Writing for Busy Readers