Become A Better Writer In 60 Minutes (Masterclass)
About This Episode
In this masterclass episode, hosts Sam Parr and Shaan Puri break down the 80/20 of becoming a world-class writer and communicator. They share their personal frameworks for persuasion, the importance of 'copy work,' and why the best writing often involves unlearning everything taught in traditional schooling.
Episode Description
Show Notes
- 0:00Intro
- 2:50Why not how - Persuasion at scale
- 6:00To write clearly, you must think clearly
- 7:00Begin with the end in mind
- 10:30Headlines not outlines
- 12:30Warmup with copywork
- 15:30Draft fast, incubate slow
- 16:30Great writing is great editing
- 19:00Build your swipe file
- 21:00Don't bury the lead
- 23:30Create a curiosity gap
- 25:00Write like you talk
- 28:00The voice memo test
- 30:30Lower the reading level
- 32:00How to tell a great story
- 34:30Intention meets obstacle
- 38:00High emotional stakes in a low stakes situation
- 39:00Short sentences
- 41:00Great writing has rhythm
- 44:00Our favorite resources
Links
Check Out Sam's Stuff
Key Takeaways
Practice 'copy work' by handwriting 10-15 minutes of prose from a writer you admire to internalize their rhythm and style before starting your own work.
Utilize an 'incubation period' by stepping away from a messy first draft for at least 90 minutes to allow passive thinking to solve structural or creative problems.
Aim for a 5th to 8th-grade reading level using tools like the Hemingway App to ensure your ideas are accessible, clear, and punchy enough for the internet.