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Language creates reality. Filmhub’s language philosophy advocates for simplicity, clarity, and functionality. How might I reduce cognitive load for others? Inspired by axioms.

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Smart Brevity

If I had more time…I would have written less!

Why Should You Care?

• Using a clear and consistent communication style is key to our success. It keeps us moving quickly and helps prevent misunderstandings.

What’s Your Move?

• Dive into Smart Brevity! Practice it in every email, Notion doc, help article, and process. #iterateforimpact
• Pro Tips

  • Start each list or paragraph with an eye-catching anchor, e.g. “Why it matters:”

  • Use bullet points—they’re your new best friend!

  • Keep prose short and sweet—3 lines max!

    Guideline	❌ Instead of…	✅ do…
    Avoid filler words	• Make sure that the festivals use V2 format
    • Add captions support	• Festivals use V2 format
    • Captions
    Be concise	Set up a DataDog alert if items are waiting in queue for longer than 2 days	DataDog alert for queued deliveries >2 days old
    Be precise	• Handle Delivery Worker 404 error
    • Submit button is not working	• Retry delivery message on S3 404 status
    • Submit button disabled when form is dirty
    Remove filler phrases	• Make sure that the batch queue size stays under 1000
    • I think this needs to be updated	• ”Keep batch queue size under 1000”
    • ”Update”

  • Avoid filler words: phrases like these clutter the actual information

    • ❌ Setup the something
    • ❌ Make sure that.., Ensure that…
    • ❌ Implement something
    • ❌ Make foo block uploads → ✅ foo blocks uploads
    • ❌ Note that foo (no need to note that a note is a note)

What are effective communication helpers?

The Pyramid Principle

Progressive Disclosure

Why Graphics and Charts Rock

Smart Brevity Example:

How can I learn more about Smart Brevity?

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Voice and Tone

Voice vs. Tone

Voice is how we communicate. Our voice is consistent and doesn't change. It's who we are.