Cutting Clutter: 3 Tips for Clear Writing

You’ve leveled up your writing. You’ve got a feel for your voice, a grip on grammar, and maybe even a style guide or two bookmarked.

But even solid writing can still feel… a little heavy sometimes.

While you already know to cut the usual culprits—like “just,” “really,” and other fillers—there are other sneaky things you might be leaving in your drafts that quietly dull your message.

If you’re a faith-driven writer, it’s not just about polishing words—it’s about refining the message you’ve been called to share. So let’s go beyond the basics.

✂️ 1. Permission Phrases (aka Confidence Softeners)

These are the subtle qualifiers that creep into even the most thoughtful writing—especially when we want to sound approachable or polite.

Phrases like:

I think…
I believe…
Just a thought…
In my opinion…

You might not even realize you’re doing it—but these phrases can weaken strong statements and make your writing feel unsure of itself.

Here’s the thing: if you’re writing it, we already know it’s your thought.

You don’t need to apologize for your voice. You’ve been entrusted with a message—so claim it with clarity.

Before:

I think this edit would make the sentence stronger.

After:

This edit makes the sentence stronger.

Try this: Do a quick “confidence scan” of your draft. Highlight every softening phrase. If it’s not adding clarity or grace, cut it.

🌀 2. Sentences That Repeat What You Already Said (Just… Differently)

This one’s sneaky, especially if you tend to write conversationally (hi, fellow rambler 👋). You make a solid point—and then make it again, slightly reworded, just to make sure it really lands.

But in editing? Redundancy drags the energy down.

Example:

This tool will save you time. It’s a great time-saver when you’re busy.

One of those can go.

Why it happens: When drafting, we’re processing our thoughts in real time—so repetition feels natural. But when revising? Your job is to tighten the spiral and move the reader forward.

Try this: Ask yourself:

Did I say this already?
Does this sentence add anything new?

If not—let it go (Elsa voice optional). And remember: clarity honors your reader.

💬 3. Over-Explaining Your Call to Action

We’ve all done it. You finish your blog, email, or caption… and you want to guide the reader gently toward your freebie, product, or next post.

But instead of just inviting them to take action, you build a whole case, hoping they’ll feel convinced.

Before:

If you want to improve your editing process and learn the tips I’ve picked up over the years, you can grab my free guide. I think you’ll find it helpful, and it’s packed with value.

After:

Grab the free editing guide—it’s packed with tips you’ll actually use.

Short. Clear. Helpful.

Why it matters: A strong CTA doesn’t need a long explanation. If you’ve built trust throughout your writing, a clear, confident invitation is all your reader needs.

Trust your reader. Trust your message.

Try this: Trim your CTA to a single sentence. Read it out loud. If it feels natural and encouraging, you’re good to go.

💛 Final Thoughts:

Strong editing isn’t just about spotting typos—it’s about spotting tendencies. And once you know what to look for, you can cut what’s holding your writing back and let your message shine.

So next time you’re polishing up a draft, check for:

🚫 “I think…” when you could just say it
🚫 Repeats that slow momentum
🚫 CTAs that try to convince instead of invite

You’re not cutting to be harsh. You’re cutting to make space for what matters.

Your writing doesn’t need to be louder—just clearer.
Your voice doesn’t need permission—it needs presence.

And above all, remember:

If your heart’s in the right place, your words will follow.

📌 Want to keep refining your writing and feedback skills?

Check out my post on the SBI Feedback Framework—a must-read if you want to give feedback that’s kind, clear, and actually helpful.

Pen and Polish