Don't Repeat For Clarity

I have found that some people, when they are trying very hard to make a point, will repeat something they've said. I don't necessarily have a problem with this, but I do take issue with why they do it: they say that they are repeating what they said to be clear.

There is no situation in which repeating yourself would make you clearer. If what you said didn't make sense the first time, there is no reason to think that saying it a second time will suddenly make things understandable.

If you are having a problem with clarity, use different words. If necessary, use different emphases. But whatever you do, don't say the same thing over again.

Now, I do want to make something clear. There is a time and a place for repetition - and that is for emphasis. When you repeat a sentence throughout a speech or essay, it is like you continue to hammer a point home; you show that everything you say is relevant to the point you are repeating. When you repeat just the beginning word or phrase in continuous sentences, then you are similarly emphasizing that the particular idea in those repetitions is important, that it is something that should be paid attention to more than usual. That is when repetition will be effective.

Even when you are doing it right, be careful with your repetition. The English language really hates repeating things in general. Although there are certain situations where it is accepted and effective, doing it too often will turn the audience against you.