Finally dear reader, I finished working on a handbook that’s ~50 pages long. And now it is ready for download! So, I thought to cover the main technique of outline in today’s letter. This technique helps me complete all the projects that I take on hand.
Also, as a token of our relationship, you’re getting early access to this mini handbook. It’s a gift. I hope you find it interesting. 🤫 And Shhhsssh! The rest of the world will get it next week.
Click on the following image to download it, read it, and share it.
Don’t forget to tell me how you liked it.
Let’s talk about the power of outline. I want to share how to create any document without a hitch. Completely from scratch.
Whenever I write anything, I use an outline. For example, I wouldn’t have finished this mini handbook without an outline. If I had tried typing out 50 pages without it, I would have never reached the end of it. Plus, it would be a mess. Seriously.
An outline is a map
Would you trust an architect who told you he’d create your dream house without a floor plan? Never.
Because an architectural floor plan helps you visualize what’s being made and you can suggest your own changes.
Similarly, when you create an outline BEFORE embarking on document creation, you’re two steps ahead.
Similarly, I consider an outline as a map. Remember, you’re free to roam around the map once you have the map. Without it, you’re lost.
A professional uses an outline.
Examples of outline
As usual, let’s take an example.
Suppose, I want to write on the topic ‘reading books is beneficial’.
Without outline
What happens when someone who is not used to writing, tries at first:
The sentences highlighted in red are fluff. They’re not helping communicate the point. They’re disturbing the flow.
See how each green highlighted sentence is just an assertion — not a logical point as if it is self-evident.
With outline
Now let’s see what creating an outline would look like:
Each main bullet point is supported by three bullet points of statements. All of them in turn, help communicate our main message: reading books is beneficial.
Also, each of these statements is in the form of small notes. We can expand on these points in the full write-up. We can inspect our points, their flow, and their strengths by scanning the outline.
“But won’t outline make my writing sound mechanical?”
NO.
You see, an outline is just an organization of thoughts.
You’re free to express your writing any way you want. If you want to write like a CEO or an English rapper, it is your choice. But the organization of thoughts in the outline remains the same.
And that’s how I finished writing my mega handbook on Data System Design.
NOW YOU.
Do you outline your work before you get started?
What other techniques do you use that are similar to the process of outlining?
Hit Reply and tell me. Perhaps I can share it with others on this letter list as well. What do you think?
Reads of the week:
- What Price Beauty “Beauty is truth, truth beauty — that is all / Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know,” unless you work in Hollywood.
- Calibrate How Much You Care Caring is good, caring too much is dangerous.
- See How Crushing Pressures Increase in the Ocean’s Depths The deepest we have reached below the Earth’s surface is approximately 11 km, with a 9-inch hole. It took 9 years. The ocean is a living hell.
Found this helpful? Sign-up for The Friday Newsletter by clicking this button:
