I copy edit a lot of guest author submissions and I often cut out "I think" or "I believe." It's a commentary, you can just state your opinion without qualifying it as "I think."
It physically feels like it softens my belief in whatever I have to say. I've become a much more confident writer and speaker since I've began working on cutting it out.
Years ago I eliminated that "I think" from my computing vocabulary. As a medical vocabulary (albeit a veterinarian) I found it much more assertive to use "I believe" when addressing a diagnosis and I was much more confident in the advice I was suggesting.
As far as that old-little-home-town and seeing those kids with a glass of beer in their hands-well I have not suggestion other that "I believe!" we all have to leave home and creative our own new comfortable writing room.
Macey, this column is brilliant, maybe your best yet. It’s something that all of us who’ve put words on paper (Ooops! That seldom happens nowadays.) will recognize.
I copy edit a lot of guest author submissions and I often cut out "I think" or "I believe." It's a commentary, you can just state your opinion without qualifying it as "I think."
It physically feels like it softens my belief in whatever I have to say. I've become a much more confident writer and speaker since I've began working on cutting it out.
Macy- So creative and stimulating thoughts.
Years ago I eliminated that "I think" from my computing vocabulary. As a medical vocabulary (albeit a veterinarian) I found it much more assertive to use "I believe" when addressing a diagnosis and I was much more confident in the advice I was suggesting.
As far as that old-little-home-town and seeing those kids with a glass of beer in their hands-well I have not suggestion other that "I believe!" we all have to leave home and creative our own new comfortable writing room.
Keep on making new trails, Doc
I appreciate it, James!
Well said. It's something that is especially a problem for women. We are taught to tread softly and avoid conflict.
That's exactly it. I don't want to tread softly anymore!
Macey, this column is brilliant, maybe your best yet. It’s something that all of us who’ve put words on paper (Ooops! That seldom happens nowadays.) will recognize.
Thank you, Chuck! I'm at an interesting time in my life where I feel myself growing up a bit, and this is just one step I've hit on that journey.