When something good is done twice, is it twice as good? That question was answered on 28th August, 2025, as David Slater returned to enthral another 3rd-year cohort about the importance of writing well. As a professional writer, international security consultant, and retired senior Hong Kong police officer, Mr Slater brought his extensive experience in communication to the class. Simple and direct, so everyone involved understands the same thing. Not hard. But this simple idea takes time and practice. Crafting your message can be done in many ways. The results matter to the people using the message, even the writer, as it is a good way to cover one’s ass. 

Then, sending one’s message was also examined through a practical example using the game “telephone line.” A message was verbally passed along two lines of students, and at the end, the two lines compared the starting and ending messages. “Having no money to take my honey to the dance” became “here is some money to buy honey” in one line and a word soup where “dance with honey” was the only usable phrase in another. The game was replayed later, with two different groups of students this time, and the message was written down. Needless to say, the message got to the end quicker and more accurately. Thus, highlighting the importance of writing in getting a clear message through a group of people. 

Also included in David’s talk was the importance of leadership and the importance of listening to everyone, from the most junior to the senior. Everyone has ideas, and sometimes, the seemingly lowest person, e.g., the cleaner, might have the solution to the most complex situation.  Sometimes, in meetings, it may be best to start with the most junior person and work up to the most senior, so everyone is heard. This approach helps build confidence in the team. Teams are diverse and dispersed; thus, writing well helps unite these individuals in ways that other forms of communication may not. Mr Slater also spent about 20 minutes answering questions from the students and sharing his stories.

Overall, the experience was delightful from the student’s perspective. So, the answer is yes. Now, what is the comparative form of good when done three times?