Professional Writing in Six Words
At work, six words are useful because they expose vague language quickly. Use the constraint for slide headlines, project goals, recognition, introductions and workshop prompts, then add detail where the real decision requires it.
Edited by Doug Weller · Editorial standards
Published and editorially reviewed 3 August 2026
Start with the right tone
12 examples shown. Every line is exactly six words.
“Fewer priorities. Better choices. Faster delivery.”
“Customer confusion fell; retention climbed steadily.”
“Decide the outcome before choosing activity.”
“Growth matters; healthy margins sustain it.”
“Your calm judgment protected the team.”
“You made difficult work feel possible.”
“Quiet preparation created our strongest result.”
“Thank you for challenging easy assumptions.”
“Finance leader connecting evidence with action.”
“Designer making complex systems feel human.”
“Start with the decision, not background.”
“One slide, one claim, clear evidence.”
Guided writing frames
Replace the bracketed idea, then count again. A useful frame gives you a shape without writing the finished line for you.
Write your own line
6 words still available.
How counting works: punctuation does not count. Genuine hyphenated compounds count as one word; separated words count separately. Emoji count as individual units. Read the complete counting rules.
What makes it work
Treat six words as the headline, not a substitute for necessary evidence.
Prefer concrete results and actions over fashionable abstractions.
Recognition should name what the person actually changed.
Professional Writing in Six Words questions
Is six-word writing too informal for work?
No. It is a useful drafting and framing constraint; tone still depends on context.
Can a strategy really be six words?
A strategic direction can be. The supporting choices, measures and risks need more detail.
Should every presentation slide have six words?
No. Use the constraint where a sharp headline helps the audience understand the point.