Lengthy Memoranda and Gobbledygook Language
March 24, 1944
To: Everybody in Smaller War Plants Corporation
From: Maury Maverick, Chariman Gen. Manager
Subject: Lengthy Memoranda and Gobbledygook Language
Be short and use Plain English.
Memoranda should he as short as clearness will allow. The Naval officer who wired “Sighted Sub - Sank Same” told the whole story.
Put the real subject matter — the point — and even the conclusion, in the opening paragraph and the whole story on one page. Period! If a lengthy explanation, statistical matter, or such is necessary, use attachments.
Stay off gobbledygook language. It only fouls people up. For the Lord’s sake, be short and say what you’re talking about. Let’s stop “pointing-up” programs, “finalizing” contracts that “stem from” district, regional or Washington “levels”. There are no “levels” — local government is as high as Washington Government. No more patterns, effectuating, dynamics. Anyone using the words “activation” or “implementation” will be shot.