Prefer the specific to the general, the definite to the vague, the concrete to the abstract.

“A period of unfavorable weather set in.”

vs

“It rained every day for a week.”

Or compare:

He showed satisfaction as he took possession of his well-earned reward.

vs

He grinned as he pocketed the coin.

Or compare:

There is a general agreement among those who have enjoyed the experience that surf-riding is productive of great exhilaration.

vs

All who have tried surf-riding agree that it is most exhilarating.

If those who have studied the art of writing are in accord on any one point, it is on this, that the surest method of arousing and holding the attention of the reader is by being specific, definite, and concrete. Critics have pointed out how much of the effectiveness of the greatest writers, Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, results from their constant definiteness and concreteness.

(Taken from The Elements of Style by Strunk and White.)