Has your professor ever written a margin note in your dissertation that says, "This writing is too dense. Fix it"?
There are some professors that explain what they mean. But more often than not, you're expected to think it through on your own and try to do what they want. Often the problem is you're using sesquipedalian words--and you didn't even know it.
So, first, let's understand "dense" academic writing?
Sometimes, when you're reviewing the literature for your research topic, you may come across a journal article that is difficult to read. The sentences are long and you struggle to understand what the author is saying.
That makes you feel badly about yourself. Perhaps you're not as intelligent as you thought? Perhaps you shouldn't be doing research? It makes you wonder whether you should be studying in a university program at all!
However, it's not you. It's the dense writing. Ideally, the journal editor will have insisted that each article is written with the reader in mind, requiring clear language and explanations of concepts and findings the make sense. But from time to time, especially in some subject areas, an article that will slip through that is so dense that the meaning is lost.
That dense writing is what you want to avoid in your own writing. And here are three tips for making sure that your writing is accessible to all interested readers who want to know about your research.
- Don't write long sentences in long paragraphs. When you do that you create "walls" of text that don't invite the reader to learn about your work. Long, complex sentences take longer to read and are more difficult to comprehend. Instead make your sentences shorter, no more than three lines on the page or website, with just one idea presented in each sentence.
- Don't string together "sesquipedalian" words. (And by the way that's a good example of one). A sesquipedalian word has many syllables and is often rooted in an ancient Greek or Latin word. I love using those words occasionally for impact. I know, though, that the statement “Mellifluous, sonorous synchronization stimulates eudaemonia” may be clear to some students of music, but is not as clear as, “Pleasing, rich, synchronized harmony can cause listeners to feel happy and it raises their spirits.”
- Don’t make the mistake of thinking that dense writing will make you sound smarter and impress the academic community. There is far greater respect for authors who help their readers understand the topic being discussed. Avoid slang and simplistic words, but write in clear language that conveys your message in a way that respects your readers and makes your research findings accessible.
And finally, don't forget to reach out if I can help you with your academic writing. It's what I love to do, and a recent testimonial said:
"Dr. Wallace was a joy to work alongside. Before working with her on my first MBA assignment, it had been YEARS since I wrote an academic essay. I was very rusty, but she was incredibly patient. She was both coach and mentor, challenging me to bring my best to the work. With her at my side, I was confident that I would succeed -- and I did."