ENG 102 | Poetry Project and Selections | Villanelle | Create 9-line Poem | Poetry Questions | Handouts
1. Omit or renew clichés
Clichés are trite and overused phrases.
Exception: You can turn a cliché against itself by purposely changing its form
and so revive it.
Here's an example: “I knew what was pulling my mind’s coattails.” – Maya
Angelou
2. Abstract to concrete
Identify abstract or general nouns and replace them with concrete or specific
ones.
Aim to present words like love, pain, sadness, anger through the physical
imagery of the five senses:
Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch, Taste (SSSTT).
3. Action verbs
Strong action verbs are more powerful than linking verbs in the passive voice.
Active verbs and concrete nouns are more lively and persuasive and help
concentrate the language. When possible limit the "-ing" form of verbs;
this diminishes their power.
4. Compress
Cut, compress, and shorten. Use few words to say as much as possible. Cut or
revise imprecise or indecisive language so what you say is pure and
concentrated.
5. Risk
Dare to experiment. Play with the words. Risk-taking adds originality and spontaneity
to your writing..