Communication

Tips to make your writing more readable

Think about how much you write in one day. In just emails alone, I could fill books. I bet you could, too.

Now, I’m no grammar queen - not by a long shot. But, there are simple things we can do to make our writing (even our emails) more readable.

Do:

• Use headings to break up your writing.
• Bold or italicize items for emphasis.
• Use lists. They’re easier to scan than paragraphs.
• Keep sentences concise.
• Use parallel word choices in lists. For example, all of the words at the beginning of each new bullet in this list are verbs - use, bold, keep.
• Keep lists to no longer than seven bullets. After that it get too confusing and people will have a hard time remembering what’s even in the list.

Don’t:

• Write in long paragraphs. It’s too hard to read. You’re much better off with several short paragraphs than a couple long. This is especially important on the web, but also useful in print.
• Change fonts - in most cases, at least.
• Use unnecessary words. Check for the following words in your writing and see if they are really necessary for that particular sentence: that, there is, there are, and very (just to name a few).
• Worry too much about grammar and punctuation. (Do: Worry a little bit, though!) The most important thing is that it makes sense. A misplaced comma will be forgiven.
• Forget to have a point!

Happy writing!