Are your words working hard enough?
Vigorous writing breathes life into your sentences and keeps readers hooked, even in an AI-saturated world.
When I first started as a copywriter, one of the very first house style guides I followed emphasised the importance of vigorous writing.
Over the years, I’ve realised how crucial it is and the difference between words that just fill space and words that truly move readers.
Vigorous writing isn’t just about putting words on a page. It’s about breathing life into your sentences and making ideas leap off the page to resonate with readers.
And now, with AI tools and ultra-processed news churning out more content every day, vigorous writing is more important than ever.
What exactly is vigorous writing?
Vigorous writing is writing that feels alive. It’s sharp and direct. It’s purposeful.
In essence, vigorous writing is:
Active not passive. Instead of “The ball was thrown by Juniper,” vigorous writing says, “Juniper threw the ball.” This makes the sentence more immediate and impactful.
Strong, with precise verbs. Rather than relying on weak verbs or adverbs, vigorous writing picks verbs that carry weight. For example, “dash” instead of “run quickly.”
Lean and clear. It avoids fluff and filler. Every word earns its place on the page.
Rhythmic and flowing. Sentences should build momentum, mixing lengths and structures to keep readers engaged.
Emotional with sensory appeal. Vigorous writing doesn’t just state facts. It paints pictures, stirs feelings, and connects with readers on a human level.
Why vigorous writing matters
Why should you care about vigorous writing? Here’s why:
It commands attention. In a world overloaded with distractions, and a constant flood of AI-generated, ultra-processed news, your writing needs to grab and hold attention. Vigorous writing cuts through the noise, making readers stop scrolling and start reading.
It enhances clarity. Energy in writing isn’t just about style. It’s about making ideas clear and easy to grasp. Vigorous writing strips away ambiguity and confusion, ensuring your message lands exactly as you intend.
It builds credibility. Strong, confident writing signals strong, confident thinking. Readers are more likely to trust and respect you if your words reflect authority and clarity.
It motivates action. Whether you’re writing to inform, persuade, or entertain vigorous writing moves people. It creates urgency and engagement. It inspires readers to act, whether that’s clicking a link or sharing your content.
How to develop vigorous writing skills
It’s a skill you can develop. Here are my tips to get you started:
Use the active voice consistently
Choose vivid, specific verbs over generic ones.
Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases
Vary sentence length and structure to create rhythm
Read your writing aloud to feel the flow and spot weak spots
Visualise your audience and write as if you’re speaking directly to them
Whether you’re crafting blog posts, sales copy, or social media updates mastering this style is essential if you want your words to matter.
So next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: Is my writing vigorous? If not, it’s time to inject some precision and power into your prose.
Because, at the end of the day, you want to be writing words that work as hard as you.
Need help with your content or crafting messages? Whether it's polishing existing copy or writing something new, do get in touch. I’d love to help!