Starting writing

These are some tricks that I use to get my ideas together. One of them might work for you. Try a few. Try them with dissertations, proposals, presentations, or emails.


 * Make some key figures: I find it focuses my mind on what really matters, and makes me think about evidence and clarity.


 * Conclude: After making one or two key figures, it helps to write your conclusions. For papers, aim for two or three short ones at most. Theses need more!


 * Convince a skeptic: An ancient trick. Develop your arguments as if you had to convince the most skeptical person you know.


 * Dentist at a party: Imagine explaining the point of your work to a well- educated professional at a cocktail party. Don't bore them!


 * One minute: The elevator pitch. Imagine you have one minute to explain yourself to the company president and/or Nobel committee.


 * One thing: If there was one single thing you wanted your audience to remember (if you're lucky!), what is it? Make it so.


 * The f**k: @ryanmerkley's advice: menace yourself. Instead of answering easy questions like 'what's your work about?', or 'why is it important?', try answering these:
 * What the f**k is your work about?
 * Why the f**k is it important?
 * Why the f**k should I read this?