How can I write clearly, concisely, forcefully and humanly?

14 Rules of Clear, Concise, Forceful, Human Writing

BE CLEAR

1.         Especially when writing to the general public: Have you used any words your reader may not understand?

2.         Especially when writing to people outside your area: Have you defined all unfamiliar jargon terms? Would plain, everyday words be easier for your reader?

3.         Have you used any long, fancy, formal words such as utilise and endeavour when you could have used short, plain everyday words such as use and try?

4.         Have you used any vague, general terms such as a considerable saving, several new staff, when you could have given specific, precise details such as a saving of $5000 a month, seven new staff?

BE CONCISE

5.         Have you used any wordy phrases such as a great number of and a sufficient number of when you could have used single words such as many and enough?

6.         Have you spelt out any details which are obvious such as pink in colour and the months of May and June?

7.         Have you unintentionally repeated yourself anywhere such as be truthful and honest, definite decision and circle around?

8.         Have you started any sentences with “It is” or “There is”? Would these sentences work better if you started them another way?

BE FORCEFUL

9.         Have you used any abstract noun phrases such as took measurements of instead of strong verbs such as measured?

10.        Are any of your sentences in the passive voice such as The boy was hit by the man? Would any of these passive voice sentences read better in the active voice such as The man hit the boy.

BE HUMAN (except in very formal documents )

11.        Have you missed any opportunities to use personal pronouns like I and you and we?

12.        Would any of your sentences read better as direct questions? For example, the statement I need to find out whether you are coming to the Senior Executives meeting on Wednesday would be better written as a question: Are you coming to the Senior Executives meeting on Wednesday?

13.        When you know your reader quite well: Have you used your reader’s name in your letter? If not, is  there anywhere you could use their name, for example, Also, thanks, Joe, for the booklet on emu farming.

14.        For relaxed, friendly letters: Have you remembered to use contractions such as don’t and can’t and     I’ll when appropriate?