"A round egg can be cut into a square" — Those who lose out and those who gain based on how they communicate: Choosing words that won't fail, which can be either poison or medicine

"I wrote it with all my heart, but it was interpreted in a way I didn't intend."
"Even though we're saying similar things, that person gets support while I get ignored."

When you keep writing on note, don't you ever feel that kind of frustration?

There is an old proverb that says "A round egg can be cut into a square; how you say things can cause friction.".

Even with the same material (content), the impression you give to others can change surprisingly depending on how you cut it.

It is a great shame as a writer if your wonderful thoughts end up irritating someone or being undervalued simply because of the "sharp edges" in your word choice.

This time, I would like to talk from my own perspective about "carefully selecting words" to reach the hearts of readers deeply.

The truth that "a round egg can be cut into a square"

Why the "way of receiving" changes 180 degrees even with the same content

We tend to focus only on "what to say (content)," but in reality, whether it reaches the reader's heart depends largely on "how to say it (the delivery)."

Words are not just a means of conveying "information." They always carry the writer's "emotions" and "warmth."

For example, even with the same logical argument that "tardiness is not good," the way the receiver opens their heart is completely different between being gently admonished with "you should be on time" and being pushed away with "being late means you're not fit for the professional world."

The more logical the argument, the more "sharp edges" it creates if the delivery is wrong, inviting backlash from the other party. Words are truly like eggs that change shape depending on how you cut them.

Why do results differ based on "how you say it"?

The boundary between words that create complaints and words that create fans

Whether in work or on social media, the cause of many complicated troubles is actually not the content itself, but "starting off on the wrong foot."

Because the first words were a "sharp-edged way of cutting" that lacked respect for the other person, the sincerity that should have been conveyed fails to reach them. Conversely, those who have enthusiastic fans have a "roundness" in their words that shows consideration for others.

For example, when pointing out a mistake, the subsequent relationship will be completely different between just stating the fact with "this is wrong" and adding from the other person's perspective with "this might be a part that's easy to misunderstand."

The true nature of "missed opportunities" on note

This is the same for writing on note. Are strong phrases you use unconsciously, such as "you should" or "it goes without saying," slamming the shutters of your readers' hearts shut?

"Even though you're writing good things, it feels a bit arrogant."
"I feel like your values are being forced on me."

Being thought of in that way might be a "miss" caused by a lack of careful consideration in your expression. By just refining your words a little, that article has the potential to "transform" and be loved by many more people.

The "final touch" that is being questioned precisely because it is the AI era

"Words with heart" beyond efficiency

Recently, opportunities to use AI to create text have increased. It is a very convenient tool for refining structures or creating drafts.

However, whether it is text generated by AI or text you have written from scratch yourself, there is a process that is absolutely necessary before releasing it to the world. That is, giving it a "final touch" with your own eyes and words.

"Could someone be hurt by these words?"
"Is there a more empathetic way to express this?"

The time spent carefully examining each word in this way is also the work of bringing "life" to your writing.

3 checkpoints to "objectively view" your own words

Before pressing the publish button, try asking yourself the following three points.

1. Are you making the subject too broad?
   Broad terms like "everyone" or "Japanese people" can ignore the individual feelings that fall through the cracks.

2. Are you being too assertive and closing off any escape routes?
   Before stating "it must be so," leaving some room by saying "I think this way" allows readers to continue reading with peace of mind.

3. Are you choosing words that show your "self" and have a sense of warmth?
   Beyond just lining up pretty words, are you including honest words that convey your own body temperature?

Cherishing words is cherishing the reader

A "single breath" before releasing it at the end.
Polishing your words in that brief moment transforms an article from fleeting news into an "asset (stock)" that will continue to light a fire in someone's heart even years later.

Carefully examining your words.
I believe that is exactly what it means to truly care for the reader on the other side of the screen.

May the words you weave reach someone as a comfortable "round egg."

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