Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science That Will Fire Up Your Readers’ Brains

by Bill Birchard

Learn the keys to energizing your writing, engaging readers, and breaking out with influence. What good will it do to skillfully craft a written argument if you lose your audience? Simple emails, formal reports, blogs, presentations, articles—they need punch to gain influence. Clear structure and logic alone won’t do. To engage readers, you need to make mentally stimulating choices in language—choices that electrify your readers’ mental hotspots. Veteran journalist Bill Birchard reveals the secret of making that happen. He blends the findings from a global cadre of psychologists and neuroscientists with lessons from his long, successful career as a professional writer. In Writing for Impact , he details eight potent writing strategies, based on the latest scientific breakthroughs, to give you the power to write faster, win over more people, and earn influence as a thought leader. As a reader, you

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2023

Reviews

[Céline Badaroux · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure to whom this book is marketed. The title would suggest authors, but the subtitle would suggest readers. And while reading it, I was still questioning myself. Sure, there is info for writers, but most of the book is for quotes and neuroscience studies while I was looking for writing advice. The result : I got incredibly bored and felt that reading the summary was enough for me.
Still, if you are a curious reader in want of neuroscience knowledge, it's for you!

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is what I'd say makes a good guide to writing, and it's got practical tips on how to write better and create an impact on both the reader and writer. Each chapter explores the eight strategies on how to write better.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know about the science bit, but one thing I really liked about this book is the many, many examples from real writings of a wide range of authors, at times showing the comparison between bad and good writing. I feel that is really helpful.

The eight techniques for successful writing is arranged in such a way that they are easy to remember too.

Definitely a 5 star book for me. Bravo to the author. He knows his craft and is a worthy teacher.

[Belinda (Belle) Witzenhausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Writing for Impact, 8 Secrets from Science That Will Fire Up Your Readers’ Brains by Bill Birchard from Net Galley and Harper Collins Leadership, in order to read and give an honest review.

... A well-written, informative, and down to earth guide for writers of all kinds, I highly recommend it...

If you are a writer and enjoy learning what happens in the brains of your readers, this book is for you. Being a writer and having a strong love of learning about neuroscience I personally found this book fascinating.  

In Writing for Impact, Author, Bill Birchard offers his eight tips to help writers engage and evoke an emotional response in their readers. Each chapter goes into detail on how to keep It Simple, Specific, Surprising, Stirring, Seductive, Smart, Social and Story-driven offering advice, examples and neurological research that will help writers understand how our writing can impact readers. 

Although very research forward, I found Writing for Impact to be a practical guide to writing that I will refer to again. A well-written, informative, and down to earth guide for writers of all kinds, I highly recommend it.

[Srinivasan Tatachari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very practical book and useful for any of us who are into writing, be it any kind. Bill covers all kinds of writers in the book. I found what he suggests to work for me in my academic research writing as well. Each chapter is clearly a tip - such as 'Simple, Specific, Surprising, Stirring, Seductive and so on.' Each of the chapters is replete with examples from different sources to help push his point.

I loved small tips such as "People normally assume the simpler explanation is the better one.' and that 'People do not like long sentences and words.' 'Surprise can and should serve as a strategy when you communicate.' Creating anticipation in the reader: Prime, withhold and deliver! Get readers on a hook and tease them with tidbits and then finally deliver on that seduction!

He shares incredible experiments which help us understand how our writing can impact readers - for eg and experiment showed that readers were not just reading the words, but actually predicting them before reading them! Experiments about insights and relation to pleasure and rewards in the mind of the reader..

A book I am sure anyone interested in communications will find useful!

[Justin Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scientific explanations are excessive and generally unhelpful, but there's still a ton of great advice that every writer can benefit from. Here's the gist of it:

-Think about the reader experience! No matter what message you're trying to convey, consciously think about how your story/email/narrative can be designed to keep reader interest.

-Clarity is king. Keep it simple. Again, think about the reader experience. As soon as it gets confusing, your readers start to check out.

-Make it surprising, but not too surprising. Creative language is crucial to keeping the reader engaged, but going overboard doesn't work because that takes away the surprise.

-Be personal. Humans are nosy creatures and a way to engage your reader is to go internal, either with personal thoughts as the author/narrator, or personal thoughts of characters. "Mind-reading" is a stimulating experience to readers and we can't get enough of it.

I'm sure there were other lessons learned, but these are the ones that stuck with me. Though the book was a slog at times, these important takeaways make it worth reading. Overall, casual recommendation for writers of all kinds.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing for Impact
8 Secrets from Science That Will Fire Up Your Readers’ Brains
by Bill Birchard
Pub Date Apr 04 2023
HarperCollins Leadership
Business, Leadership, Finance| Nonfiction \(Adult\)


HarperCollins Leadership and Netgalley sent me a copy of Writing for Impact to review:


Discover how to energize your writing, engage readers, and break out with influence.


A well-written argument won't help you if you lose your audience. To gain influence, simple emails, formal reports, blogs, presentations, and articles need punch. Structure and logic alone won't suffice. When you use language to engage readers, you need to select words that electrify their mental hotspots.


The secret to making that happen is revealed by veteran journalist Bill Birchard. Using findings from a global team of psychologists and neuroscientists, he draws on his long, successful career as a writer. Using eight powerful writing strategies, he demonstrates how to write faster, win over more people, and earn influence as a thought leader.


I give Writing for Impact four out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertainment & Engagement:
Good. The book is well-written and engaging, with entertaining anecdotes throughout. At times it leans heavily into hard science, but for the most part it remains accessible and enjoyable.

Educational Value:
Great. It’s filled with information on human nature, neuroscience, writing, and grammar. The breadth of knowledge presented makes it a rich resource on the craft of writing.

Effort, Accessibility & Aesthetic Impact:
Great. The book is clearly structured, easy to read, and well-formatted. Most readers will find it approachable and accessible.

Practical Application:
Great. Above all, this is a practical book. Each chapter concludes with suggestions for applying the concepts in real writing practice. If you are looking for actionable advice, this book delivers.

Value for Writers:
Great. While many of the concepts may already be familiar to writers, the depth of exploration adds fresh insights. It not only informs but may also spark new ways of thinking and practical inspiration.

[Vovka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This can help non-professional writers become better, more impactful writers. It's a bit shallow for for folks who have been studying writing for a while, but still contains great reminders of some basics that it's good to review.

The author's attempt to persuade the reader relies on two primary tactics: (1) citing persuasion and brain science studies that explain the reasons why the tactics recommended in the book work; (2) examples that show the tactic being put to good use.

The brain science stuff felt like unnecessary padding to me. As I read this, I had the frequent feeling of, "I've already picked up the book. I'm already reading it. You don't need to convince me that there are ways to be more effective, please get on with it. In other words: show me what great looks like, don't tell me. If the research citations had been shrunk down to footnotes or endnotes, the book would've been a quarter of the length and much stronger for it.

[Phillip Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many different ideas about how to write well, but most seem to focus on the grammar and structure of the writing. While important, that is not going to get readers to stay engaged. Writing for Impact is meant to bridge the gap that other books about writing leave. It talks about sentence structure only as far as it connects with getting and keeping a reader's attention.

The book is well though out and researched. There is plenty of information in it and I saw several things that I want to try for projects that I want to do. Overall, it is a good book. The only issue I had with it is that it seemed to go on and on after the point had been made. I'm all for having proof for what you say, but it had too much for my taste. Other than that, I think it will be helpful for me.

I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dominic Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can say that this is one of the best books on the subject that I have read. The book explains how to write effectively and persuasively and how to use psychological and neuroscience knowledge to arouse readers' interest and attention on various popular topics. The book is written in simple and accessible language, with many examples. I try to improve my writing and influencing skills, and these strategies have helped me improve my emails, reports, blogs, and presentations. Using books and resources such as https://gradesfixer.com/words/800-word-essay/, which can help you get a better grade, I see my writing grow in confidence and competence so I can better communicate my ideas and opinions to the audience. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to increase their writing and impact. This book will change how you think about writing and make you a leader in your field.

[Steve Sarner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always valued the power of effective communication.

Bill Birchard's "Writing for Impact" is not just a guide—it's an awesome tool for anyone looking to elevate their writing and influence. Birchard blends scientific insights with practical strategies, making this book a must-read for anyone serious about crafting compelling content.

His approach not only enhances your writing skills but also empowers you to connect deeply with your audience, ensuring your message resonates long after it's read.

This is for those aiming to excel in impactful writing. Birchard combines neuroscience with practical writing strategies, providing a perspective that aligns closely with my background in leading marketing initiatives. Birchard's insights aren't just theoretical—they offer actionable tactics that have already improved my approach to content creation.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chapter subjects and especially the "Tactics" sections at the end of each chapter are great. However, there is an annoying over-reliance on fMRI, EEG, studies, and other suspect methodologies. Anyone following this area knows there is a terrible reproducibility problem, and this is probably because an fMRI voxel has about 1 million neurons in it, and can't see the hundreds of excitation potentials in any given neuron, combined with the expense, means that the number of subjects will always be very low. He even says things like "The results were mixed [i.e. inconclusive], but the takeaway message is..." What? Birchard is a good writer - he should have simply shared his thoughts on how to achieve good writing based on his experience, rather than attempting to lend credibility to his claims by citing some low "n" studies, which, if not already debunked, will soon be.

[Kami Boley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reference book for writers is a quick read and a nice compilation of information about the emotional impact that word usage can have on a reader. I like the reminder that each word, when aptly used, can have power and meaning . . . the ability to stir the soul.

I experienced an early copy of this book and I hope that there will be another thorough editing pass for some formatting, spacing, and phrasing issues that remain before publication. These lingering issues distracted me from enjoying the overall message. I normally get really jazzed and inspired by this type of nonfiction science-based content . . . I think perhaps my expectations were just a bit too high this time.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of Writing for Impact for my unbiased evaluation. 3 stars

[Paulina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t get what I wanted out of this book.

I should have know. Based on the introduction and the caveat presented but I thought I’d learn more of how I can apply these writing strategies into my work such as policy feedbacks where I essentially want whoever reads it to feel compelled to truly take in all the perspectives provided and basically be.. for lack of better terms- persuasive in my arguments.

Granted I was able to learn (based on research and data as presented thoroughly throughout the book) some strategies but I had to skim through a lot that was no relevant to me because it focused on a lot of creative writing. So that’s just something to keep in mind if that is what you were hoping to get out of the book.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book filled with insight and advice from many years of writing experience. This book would make a perfect gift for anyone who needs to write for a social media, for their profession, or for the classroom. With short succinct chapters that clearly define the goal of each chapter, anyone will find themselves thinking back to what they read. With memorable examples, and a clear direct writing style I could easily see this being a great small book to give as a graduation present for someone heading off to college! The advice that is given here will help supplement what is taught in the composition classroom and it remind everyone what it takes to be a successful writer -- ie one who is able to share a thought in words.

[Louise Foerster · Rating 4 out of 5]

With WRITING FOR IMPACT, Bill Birchard shares his hard-won wisdom for writers. His long expertise in writing combined with his deep dive into neuroscience and psychology yield a useful and immediately applicable framework for anyone attempting to write anything from quick notes to articles to books. His eight keys for a rewarding reader experience offer a framework for thinking, drafting, and evaluating a communication: Is it SIMPLE, SPECIFIC, SURPRISING, STIRRING, and then SEDUCTIVE, SMART, SOCIAL, AND STORY DRIVEN. I found the material to be familiar and also very useful as another perspective on how to craft our most powerful, moving messages. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book tries to explain effective writing in cultural, historical, and scientific ways - sometimes referring to Picasso’s simplistic art style, or referring how people didn’t like surprises in the hunter-gatherer times, or referring to the reward circuits… although I do understand the author’s excitement of his findings, it doesn’t convey well to the reader when the readers are looking for more practical tips.

It felt like this book was more like a personal essay for the author himself - like what he found interesting - but it doesn’t much help with actual writing.

The 8 points are helpful points but not sure if I enjoyed reading through all those examples, it felt like this book wasn’t written in the way its was trying to convey

[Eric Lama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to become a better writer or speaker.

I couldn’t put this book down and read it in 7 hours. I’ve read various books on writing and nothing compares to this. I took more notes than the last 8 or 9 writing books combined. This isn’t about planning, story arcs, grammar, or character development. This book is about writing in a way that is guaranteed to suck readers in and keep them coming back for more. It not only tells you how to do this but also explains why it works. There are plenty of examples to make sure you understand the material and how to implement it. I highly recommend it!

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got ARC of the book and find it very much practical for different types of writing. It could be applied to books and articles, advertising writing as well as personal. There are several writing principles covered by the author that can potentially be applied to different areas writing way of sending the information. The principles go as following: keep It Simple, specific, surprising, stirring, seductive, smart, social and story-driven. The good thing is that there is a discussion on why writing should be that way and how to practice the principles.

[Marielly Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read for those who have a passion for writing. I couldn't put it down because it contains a lot of golden nuggets for aspiring authors and writers of any kind. Giving structure and cases where the reader can visualize the areas for improvement. I recommend this to anyone who wants to get better at writing and express themselves in a way that the audience can connect with what you are trying to convey.

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy to navigate compilation of helpful and practical writing tips. Whether you are a student, a blogger or need to write well for your profession, this book is useful. The eight strategies covered in this book are steeped in science yet are simple and impactful. That’s the beauty of this book. It’s scientific, practical, and insightful, all the while being easy to read.

[Dannie Lynn Fountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up as I work on writing my own fiction novel and am looking for ways to de-academiafy (?) my writing. While I did pick up a few tips, these were hardly the "8 secrets" to writing for impact and the science seemed to be applied selectively. I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher via libro.fm.

[Isabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.

Utterly boring.
This book is rather boring, making a point on how useful it is for those who wish to improve their writing. Read Story by Robert McKee instead.
That said, it proposes a scientific perspective on the quality of writing. Showing that hard science has much ground to cover and is far behind any literary or film studies.

[Sporter9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful writer's reference book that offers a brief yet insightful exploration of the emotional resonance that word choices can impart to readers.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Leadership, and author Bill Birchard for the advance read copy of this book.

[R.A. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the key things many writers struggle with is engaging readers from start to finish. Whether writing an article, short story, or fiction novel, these eight steps could be relevant for anyone interested in learning about the science behind engagement and how to use it to your advantage. I found this a quick read with some interesting ideas. While there were many things I'd already heard about through my prior studies, this would be a great reference for someone looking to up-skill their writing.

This was a NetGalley review.

[Aram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goal: Get readers engaged by motivating them. Write Clear. Use Rewards.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice.

[Giovanni García-Fenech · Rating 2 out of 5]

Birchard had been teaching eight strategies for better writing, and he then researched psychological and neurological studies to justify them. That's not quite how science works, though—how do we know there aren't better strategies that the author didn't pursue? The scientific studies quickly become tiresome, too. There are simply too many of them, making it difficult to focus on the actual writing strategies. Too bad, because the tips are actually helpful!

[Derek Forrest Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

could have used some more examples but overall solid