SUMMARIZE
What to Summarize?
To summarize is to condense the content but retain the concepts. Summarizing is one form of the process Herbert Simon called information chunking – with the direction being from the particular to the general. A summary is a truncated version of the whole message. The longer version would be: Endeavour to reduce the number and size of words so as to convey the essence of the message in the briefest and most cogent possible way. The summary would be: Keep it short and sweet!
Why to Summarize?
Many people find the use of too many words to be a great source of boredom. On other occasions there simply isn’t the time to meander. It is also possible, as the Bible attests, to break people in pieces with words. Words can often be a tactic of delay, OR a tactic of subterfuge persuasion. Whitehead claimed the public always likes simple explanations, and that effective political entrepreneurs craft their messages this way.
When to Summarize?
Place an abstract at the beginning (of a book, paper, speech, or whatever). Those who only ever read the executive summary will then at least know the major concepts. Those who want to know more can then go deeper, often using the summary as a guide. Also, summarize at the end (of a book, paper, speech, or whatever). This serves as a reminder of what was said. The old adage, summarized is “preview, present, and review”.
Whether to Summarize?
It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. Sometimes the purpose of taking a trip is the journey as much as the destination. If your focus is (metaphorically) the end point, provide a summary – if you want to enjoy the journey (as well or instead), do the full, extended voyage (read or study the details). BUT, provide a summary for those only interested in the destination anyway, and hope they will let you enjoy the expedition.
How to Summarize?
To summarize is to condense the message down to its essence, much like boiling off the water from maple sap to get maple sugar. As Information Manager Dan Sullivan shows, the basic message in a book only occupies between 10% and 20% of the total contents – the rest is just elaboration, examples, and repetition. The function of a summary is to present that essential message, like explaining your theory during an elevator ride.
References
Dan Sullivan
DOCUMENT WAREHOUSING AND TEXT MINING
John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2001