Beyond Self-Expression: Larry McEnerney’s Strategic Approach To Writing With Purpose

Have you asked yourself, "Why should your writing matter to anyone but yourself?"

How can your writing stand out and influence others in a world overflowing with information? Larry McEnerney, the Director of the University of Chicago's Writing Program, offers a compelling answer: Writing is not just about expressing what you know—it's about creating value for the reader.

In this article, we’ll explore McEnerney’s transformative perspective on what writing truly is and, more importantly, what it is not.

McEnerney’s View on Writing: What It Is and What It Is Not

According to McEnerney, writing is not merely about self-expression or demonstrating knowledge; it is a purposeful act designed to influence, engage, and add value to the reader. Here are the key principles that define what writing is and what it is not:

Writing as a Tool for Influencing Readers

What It Is: McEnerney states, "Writing is fundamentally about influencing readers and changing their perspectives." This emphasizes that writing's purpose is to engage the reader and shift their understanding or viewpoint, rather than merely expressing the writer’s own thoughts.

What It Is Not: "Writing is not about simply conveying personal ideas or self-expression." McEnerney challenges the traditional view that writing is primarily a means of expressing the writer’s own thoughts or emotions. Instead, effective writing should focus on the reader and their needs.

Writing as Active Participation in a Field

What It Is: According to McEnerney, "Writing is active participation in your field’s discourse, with the goal of shaping how others understand the topic." This highlights that writing is a way to contribute meaningfully to ongoing discussions within a specific professional or academic community.

What It Is Not: "Writing is not just about showing what you know or have learned." Especially in academic and professional contexts, writing should go beyond merely displaying knowledge. It should actively engage with the reader, offering them something valuable, whether that’s insights, solutions, or new perspectives.

Writing as a Dual-Purpose Tool

What It Is: McEnerney explains that "Writing is both a tool for exploration and a method of communication." He views writing as a process that helps writers develop their ideas and is simultaneously a means of conveying those ideas effectively to others.

What It Is Not: As McEnerney emphasizes, "Writing is not simply summarizing prior research or existing ideas." He advocates for writing that critically engages with existing literature or ideas, rather than just recounting what has already been said. The goal is to contribute something new or to advance the conversation.

Writing as a Means to Create Value

What It Is: McEnerney notes that "Writing is about creating value for the reader, offering something meaningful and engaging." This statement underscores that writing should prioritize the reader’s needs, providing them with insights, solutions, or challenges that are valuable to them.

What It Is Not: McEnerney warns that "Writing is not about starting with broad generalizations or background information that doesn’t immediately engage the reader." He discourages beginning with vague or general statements, which do not capture the reader’s attention or convey the relevance of the work. Instead, writing should start with a specific problem or question that matters to the reader.

Writing as a Strategic Act

What It Is: As McEnerney puts it, "Writing is a strategic act of addressing the reader's needs and presenting a compelling argument." This emphasizes that writing involves careful consideration of how to effectively communicate with the reader, making the content relevant and persuasive.

What It Is Not: McEnerney asserts that "Writing is not solely about producing 'new' or 'original' ideas." He argues that the true value of writing lies in its relevance and impact, rather than in novelty alone. Simply being the first to introduce a concept doesn’t necessarily equate to valuable writing.

The True Purpose of Professional Writing

McEnerney challenges the traditional view of writing, particularly in academic and professional settings, where it is often perceived as a means of self-expression or conveying personal ideas. He argues that professional writing is fundamentally about influencing readers and changing their perspectives. This approach emphasizes the active role of writing in shaping conversations and driving thought within a specific field.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize the Reader: Focus on understanding your audience’s needs and craft your message to resonate with them. It’s about delivering what they need to hear, not just what you want to say.
• Offer Value: Ensure your writing provides something meaningful to the reader, whether it’s new insights, challenges to existing assumptions, or solutions to problems that matter to them.
• Engage in the Conversation: Writing should be seen as active participation in your field’s discourse, with the goal of shaping how others understand the topic.
• Strive for Impact: Effective writing has the power to change minds, spark new ideas, and inspire action.

How to Apply This Approach

• Know Your Audience: Clearly identify who you are writing for and what issues are important to them.
• Define the Problem: Explicitly state the issue your writing addresses, demonstrating its relevance to the reader.
• Offer Solutions: Present a clear and convincing solution or argument that directly addresses the problem.
• Use Evidence: Support your claims with strong evidence and logical reasoning to persuade your reader.
• Address Counterarguments: Anticipate potential objections and respond to them effectively to strengthen your argument.

In summary, McEnerney encourages a shift from focusing on self-expression to creating value for the reader. By actively engaging with your audience and providing them with something meaningful, your writing can make a significant impact and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in your field. Writing is not just about what you want to say; it’s about what your reader needs to hear.

Upcoming Series Announcement: Over the next few days, I will be publishing sections from my takeaways on Larry McEnerney’s course. Each day, I’ll share a new part of "Beyond Self-Expression: Larry McEnerney’s Strategic Approach to Writing with Purpose." These articles will delve deep into practical applications of his principles, ensuring that your writing resonates powerfully with your intended audience.

Here’s a link to one of Larry McEnerney's lectures, the Director of the University of Chicago Writing Program, at UChicago Social Sciences: