Ensure your writing’s easy to read

Every reader prefers:

1. Short paragraphs
2. Short sentences
3. Normal language, not corporate

So we need to do all three.

#1 Short paragraphs

• Long paragraphs are hard to read
• And harder to remember afterwards
• So use shorter paragraphs!
• Assume each is 3-4 lines long – max
• Easy fix: press the ‘return’ key more!

 #2 Shorter sentences

• Long sentences are also hard to read and remember
• So shorten them too
• The main reason for long sentences is merging 2-3 shorter ones…
• … by using joining words, like ‘and’ or ‘but’
• Easy fix: when you’re about to use a joining word, replace it with a full-stop

#3 Normal language, not corporate

• Written communication is supposed to be “talking in print”
• In other words, read out loud, it should sound like you
• But most people write differently to how they speak
• Too much jargon
• Too many long phrases
• Example: I recently read “prior to the commencement of”…
• … I’d have said “before”
• Easy fix: read your writing out loud. Does it sound like you? If so, great. If not, edit it

Action Point

• Shorter paragraphs – 3-4 lines max
• Shorter sentences – more full stops. Fewer ‘ands’ and ‘buts’
• Normal language, not corporate