Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers. Writing for ‘civic clarity’ (plus, the power of short sentences), with Roy Peter Clark
Feb 12, 2026
Roy Peter Clark, veteran Poynter writing instructor and author, talks about the idea of civic clarity and why clear communication matters in crises. He shows how to make complex civic topics readable. He explores the power of short sentences and punctuation to create impact. He also outlines a ruthless draft-and-edit approach to find focus.
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Civic Clarity Is A Responsibility
- Civic clarity means more than reporting facts; it requires ensuring readers actually understand them.
- Roy Peter Clark says writers and officials must take responsibility for public comprehension.
Shorten Sentences At Complexity Points
- Use short words, short sentences, and short paragraphs at points of greatest complexity.
- Treat the period like a stop sign to slow pace and boost comprehension.
Write Short Teasers That Tell Truth
- Treat headlines and tweets as the primary communication because many readers stop there.
- Craft short teasers to accurately reflect the content, not merely to entice clicks.
