Cut syllables where you can. Blindfolded: blindfold. Unnecessary: needless. Begin: start. Eyesight: sight. Previously: hitherto. Genteel words suffer from syllable flab. Individual: person. Sufficient: enough. Ascertain: learn. Shape is better than structure because it has one less syllable (and no schwa), and feels more solid than structure. Let is better than allow, because it is one less syllable and does not need to be paired with to.
