Chapter 3: Clear Writing

Once you have completed the planning stage, you are ready to move on to the actual writing. Here are guidelines to help you communicate clearly and effectively.

Short and simple words

• Short words are easier for the reader to understand.
• Try to limit yourself to words of one or two syllables.

Synonyms

• Do not try to find many ways to say the same thing.
• Repeating the same word will help readers to understand. Mel says, “Variety is not the spice of effective communication, so use your Thesaurus sparingly.”

Acronyms

• Acronyms are formed from the first letters of a series of words.
• If you must use an acronym, write out the words first, followed by the acronym in brackets.
  Example: Megantic English-speaking Community Development Corporation (MCDC). By spelling it out, you can then use MCDC comfortably throughout the remainder of your document.
• Do not make an acronym the central focus of the title page.

Technical terms

• Define technical terms when you use them. Example: Smoking may cause a myocardial infarction, known commonly as a heart attack.
• Include a glossary when there are many technical terms.

Jargon

• Assume the reader may not understand terms that are not in general use. Example: The use of a six-point widget will make the job go faster.