The Says/Does technique: How to practice X-ray vision for writing

Ever wondered how writers craft compelling arguments? It's not just about what they say, but what their words do. Let's take a look at how to practice the Says/Does technique, a writer's secret weapon.

Imagine dissecting a text like a detective examining clues. You can apply this to any writer's text, or even your own. The 'Says' column is your summary of the facts, while the 'Does' column reflects how these facts are expressed and developed.

'Says' is straightforward: it's the gist of the text. But 'Does' is where the magic happens, analyzing how your/the author's choices shape the reader's understanding. This is where the real insights hide.

Think of 'Does' as the text's engine. It's not just about the message, but how it's delivered—through tone, evidence, and persuasive techniques.

The key to nailing "what it does"? Describe the paragraph's purpose without even mentioning the actual content. Tricky, but powerful

This method works like a decor for analyzing sophisticated texts. Try it with the opening chapter of your favorite book. Every word is a chess piece held by the author. 'What it Does' helps you see the game they're playing, the moves they make to win you over.

Understanding 'Does' sharpens your critical thinking, whether you're reading a novel or a news article. It can also reveal the unsaid. A text might not mention 'fear,' but its choice of dark imagery and urgent tone screams it.

Studying "what it does" exposes the hidden machinery behind great writing. You start to see how masters craft compelling arguments and narratives.

Mastering this method won't just make you a savvier reader - it'll give you a whole new toolkit for crafting persuasive, engaging writing of your own.

So next time you're wrestling with a dense article or your own draft, try Says/Does. You'll never read - or write - the same way again!