Writing With Style, The GEMS method, Something Left Unsaid & More

Reading time: 6 minutes

Hej Doctors and Writers,

Here are 5 ideas to help you become a better writer this week.

Today at a glance

Question: Something left unsaid

Quote: Be vulnerable

Framework: Authentic writing simplified

Idea: Ask more questions

Video: Writing with style

Question: Something left unsaid

What's a truth about being a doctor that you've never shared publicly?

Is it the weight of responsibility that keeps you up at night?

The joy of an unexpected recovery?

The frustration with the healthcare system?

Your fears, hopes, or secret motivations?

These unspoken truths are often the most powerful stories you can tell.

They humanize you.

They create a deep connection with your audience.

But it goes far beyond that.

Your unsaid stories, which may seem ordinary to you, may be eye-opening to someone else.

They could guide a medical student, comfort a worried patient, or give fresh perceptions to policymakers.

So this week, take a moment to write one truth you've kept to yourself, and of course, don’t forget to share it.

Quote: Be vulnerable

The lesson: Your perspective matters, and once you share it consistently and confidently, you’re bound to find a receptive audience eager to listen.

Framework: Authentic writing simplified

We've said it before, and we can't say it enough.

As doctors, your unique experiences and insights are invaluable.

So, to help you uncover it, this week's framework is a simple approach to finding your voice and creating content that deeply resonates with your audience:

Let's dive into the GEMS method:

1. G: Generate questions

Curiosity is a fundamental pillar of good writing and unforgettable insights. So, ask yourself:

• What problems have been nagging at you?

• What's something special you've recently discovered?

Tip: Check the idea section below for an in-depth guide on how to create better questions.

2. E: Explore your perspective

With your answers written, think about how your mindset, approach, and perspective differ from those of others:

• How has this altered your personal philosophy?

• What are your associated experiences and emotions?

• What makes your approach unique to you?

3. M: Mine for insights

Now, it's time to dive deeper and search for the center point within those perspectives:

• What's the "hidden gem" you will center your writing around?

• Can you create links between unrelated ideas?

• Which aspects could others benefit from?

4. S: Shape your story

Finally, put the pieces of the puzzle together and construct an unforgettable story:

• Which personal anecdotes can bring your message to life?

• How can you infuse your writing with passion and personality?

• How will your words educate, inspire, and transform lives?

Action Step:

Choose one burning question this week, apply the GEMS Method, and transform it into a short blog post or social media post.

Bonus:

Share it with us by this Sunday, and we'd love to give you some feedback on your piece.

Idea: Ask more questions

A trait that differentiates good writers from great ones is their insatiable curiosity.

Constantly asking questions.

Constantly seeking knowledge.

Constantly searching for new experiences.

This habit isn't just about writing—it's about becoming a more creative thinker, a better doctor, and a more impactful communicator.

Why questions matter:

1. They fuel creativity

Questions challenge the status quo; when you ask "why?" or "what if?", you spark new perspectives and solutions in both writing and medicine.

2. They magnify understanding

If you want to grasp a concept or experience, questioning yourself will help more than you can imagine. They deepen your reasoning into reflective insights and clearer, more insightful writing.

3. They uncover hidden stories

Most people find their best stories in unexpected ways, no matter how right or wrong they may seem at first.

Here are a few simple ways to naturalize a questioning mindset:

1. At the end of each day, think about what you learned, what surprised you, and why it stood out.

2. Conduct more thought experiments: go on long walks, think about everyday scenarios, begin each sentence with "what if?", and write down the insights you came up with.

3. Get a journal as soon as possible: the biggest mistake we make is not writing our best thoughts right away. With steps one and two, make sure you capture them in a notebook dedicated to building your ideas.

Video: Writing with style

David Perell is a pioneer in the world of digital writing.

In this episode of his podcast, he chats with one of his students, The Cultural Tutor, who has crafted an unforgettable approach to writing whilst also generating an audience of over 1.7 million subscribers.

You don't want to miss this:

Alright, that’s all for this week.

Thank you for reading this week’s newsletter.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, hit reply to this email, we’d love to hear from you.

— Adi and Pranav