Winston Churchill on Brevity

In the midst of World War II, on August 9, 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, only three months into his tenure and facing the daunting challenges of the blitzkrieg and Luftwaffe attacks, sent a remarkable memo titled “Brevity” to his War Cabinet. This memo, focusing on the art of writing official reports, highlights Churchill’s commitment to clarity and efficiency in communication during one of the most turbulent times in British history.

The Significance of  the Brevity Memo

Churchill’s directive came at a critical juncture. The memo was not merely about using fewer words; it was a call for “clearer thinking.” At a time when the nation’s survival was at stake, Churchill understood that effective communication was vital. Written reports were the lifeblood of the Cabinet’s decision-making process. Clear, concise reports meant more efficient and effective governance, crucial in a war where every decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Contextualizing Churchill’s Emphasis on Brevity

Beyond Conciseness: Churchill’s aim was not to oversimplify complex matters but to communicate them effectively. He encouraged the inclusion of detailed analyses as appendices to main reports, ensuring that thorough examination was available without cluttering the primary communication.

Facilitating Decision-Making: By insisting on brevity, Churchill sought to enhance the Cabinet’s productivity, paralleling the need for efficiency in wartime industries like aircraft production.

The Role of Reports: These documents were not just informational; they were tools for strategic action. Churchill’s memo ensured that reports added value, providing “lift, not weight” to the Cabinet’s efforts.

Churchill’s Own Writing: A Study in Contrasts

Interestingly, Churchill was known for his lengthy discourses. For instance, his December 7, 1940, letter to President Roosevelt was a detailed 15-page document, a stark contrast to his advocacy for brevity. However, this discrepancy highlights the importance of context in communication. While internal Cabinet reports required conciseness for swift decision-making, external communications like his letter to Roosevelt served a different purpose. They were persuasive arguments, designed to sway opinions and gather support, necessitating a more detailed approach.

Conclusion: The Enduring Wisdom of Churchill’s Memo

Churchill’s memo on brevity, though a small component of his vast legacy, offers timeless insights into effective communication. In our contemporary world of information overload, the principles of clear and efficient communication, as championed by Churchill, remain more relevant than ever. His approach underscores the importance of tailoring communication to its context and audience, a lesson valuable in any era.

Extra Reading Points

Winston was fond of brevity. Here are documents from the records from the Central Office of Information (COI).

Here is another example with a personal minute from Winston Churchill stating that Cabinet Minutes should focus on decisions

In addition he asserts the need to avoid jargon and ‘woolly phrases’ is also highlighted. Reports, minutes, telegrams and letters should all be kept to the point in order to save time.

Key elements of good communication from Winston would resonate with the thinking of any modern communicator. It also shows how his penchant for messaging was cascaded through the civil service, as evident from Anthony Eden, Foreign Secretary.

Memo

 

You can read the rest of the memo collection here:

Memo collection