Writing
Clear Writing
Pyramid Principle
Write for Audience
Have a Clear Purpose
- What is the purpose of the document?
- Why does the purpose matter?
- Does the document define the scope in the purpose?
- Does the audience need to make a decision after reviewing the document?
Present Data to Support Your Argument
Effective Writing
Be Concise
- Cut filler words
- Eliminate redundancy
- Avoid hidden verbs
- A verb converted into a noun
Be Specific
- Define who
- Specify the date
- Quantify the impact
- Remove weasel words
- Vague adjectives, adverbs, auxiliary verbs, or numerically vague expressions
Use Active Voice
- Active voice
- The subject acts on the verb or object of the sentence
- Subject-verb-object
- Passive voice
- The object is acted upon and the subject is optional
Use Simple Words
- Never use a complex word when a simple word will do
- Write to express, not to impress
Use Short Sentences
- Break up a long sentence into shorter sentences
- Tighten up wordy sentences
Design for Readability
Use Headings and Subheadings to Highlight the Pyramid Structure
- Show parallel ideas in parallel form
- Follow the same grammatical form
- Highlight the Pyramid structure with visual cues
- Keep headings together with the majority of the content
Follow Formatting Standards
- Build in White Space
- Use bulleted and numbered lists
- Use tables to facilitate comparison
- Spell out acronyms