Writing is a one-way
communication. If the message can be understood, it will be.
A writer must be impeccably clear and
accurate, or the pact between writer and reader is broken.
Be aware of easy writing.
Oftentimes, it isn’t!
1. Keep sentences short. Tests show reading is difficult when sentences average
much more than 20 words. Count the words! If your sentences are 25 words or
more, rewrite. Sentences composed of 12 to 15 words are usually most effective.
2. Prefer
the simple to the complex. This applies
to both sentence structure and word choice. Use the subject-verb-object
sentence structure for clarity.
3. Prefer
the familiar word. If readers don’t
understand the words you use, they will miss your meaning. This does not excuse
a small vocabulary, however. Writers need all the words they can master.
4. Avoid
unnecessary words. Nothing fogs writing
more than words that are not needed. Read your copy carefully. Make all words
carry their own weight.
5. Put action into your verbs. Action verbs put life into writing. Don’t smother action
with too many “passive voice” verbs, like is, are, and —ing ending verbs.
Passive writing makes passive readers.
6. Write like you talk. Well, a little that way. A conversational tone is one
of the best tricks for producing readable copy. Don’t lapse into stuffy jargon
or rely on corporate-speak, legalese, etc. Stay away from words like
strategize, finalize, and utilize.
7. Be
clear and concise. Search for the
single, right word rather than a handful of almost right words. This translates
into clear, crisp writing that your readers understand.
8. Watch
your tone. Be careful to project a
positive tone; positive writing makes for positive readers. Also, prune your
prose for racism and sexism—it can creep in writing without the writer being
aware.
9. Translate jargon. Every trade and profession has its special language.
If you use jargon, make sure your reader will understand it—do not assume!
10. Write
to express, not impress. Don’t show off,
particularly by using complex words and sentence structure. Make your message
clear with simple, direct writing. The writer who makes the best impression is
the one who can say complex things simply. Your readers will thank you for it.
Thankx for Reading (Not a Rant, but nobody is perfect).
BigMike
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are welcome (Keep it clean and I will publish it.) I fully support the 1st and 2nd amendments. Nasty comments and SPAM are deleted.