Writing:
Shorter is Better
Think
about this quote:
"I
have made this letter longer than usual, only because I have not
had time to make it shorter."
-
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
We
are inundated with information. People are starved for time and as
such they greatly respect and value short correspondence, articles
and blog posts.
If you want people to read something, make it short and
concise. A paragraph that runs five sentences long is
daunting and there is a good chance that the reader will not read
it.
Here Are
Some Suggestions:
1. Use
short words.
They are easier to understand - so use simple English even if it
offends your sense of literacy.
2. Use
dashes to shorten up a sentence.
Most readers are not grammatical experts and value sentences that
are more in line with the way they speak - so use dashes to make
the message clear.
3. Use
bullet points and numbered paragraphs.
They keep the message clear and organized in our minds.
4. Use
plenty of space.
The more white background space on the page, the easier it is to
read the black text. Double spacing text is easier to read than
single spacing.
If
you're reading a magazine and an article is six pages of text, you
might decide to read it later. And later never comes. If the
article is well-organized on one or two pages with bullet points
and short paragraphs, there's a better chance it will be read right
away.
The strain on our 21st century attention would be unimaginable to
those who lived in the 19th century. And yet…
"I
notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief
sentences. That is the way to write English - it is the modern way
and the best way. Stick to it; don't let fluff and flowers and
verbosity creep in."
-
Mark Twain
Reference /
Image Credits:
Jim
Estill
1. Jk
Digital Services
Post Comments
MayMay said – Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:13:04 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )
Thanks Tff! Your feedback is always welcome and appreciated!
:)