6th Grade Reading Level Wins

Shaan Puri and Sam Parr share insights about writing effectively, particularly emphasizing the importance of writing at a middle-school reading level for maximum impact and reach.

Key Points:

• Reading Level Strategy:

  • Target 6th-8th grade reading level for optimal reach
  • Even complex topics can be explained at this level
  • Warren Buffett's writing evolved to become simpler over time
    • His letters went from 17 to 13 words per sentence (1974-2013)
    • Reading level dropped from 10th to 4th grade
    • The more complex his business got, the simpler his writing became

• Writing Tools & Verification:

  • Use Hemingway App to check reading level
  • USA News writes at 4th grade level
  • New York Times writes at 7th grade level

• Unlearning Academic Writing:

  • School teaches counterproductive habits:
    • Rewards minimum word counts and fluff
    • Encourages fancy vocabulary
    • Promotes overly complex sentence structure
  • Professional writing requires:
    • Concise expression
    • Simple, accessible language
    • Elimination of unnecessary complexity

• Writing Philosophy:

  • Shorter is better on the internet
  • Accessible language beats fancy vocabulary
  • The lower the reading level, the broader the reach
  • Complex ideas don't require complex language

• Success Metrics:

  • Focus on clarity over sophistication
  • Measure understanding, not complexity
  • Writing should be accessible to the widest possible audience