Short sentences

• Keep the meaning clear by editing out excess words.
• Use sentences of fifteen words or less.
• Split one long sentence into two shorter ones.
• Include only one idea in a sentence.
  Mel says, “KYSSS: Keep Your Sentences Short and Simple.”

Active sentences

• Write the sentence: subject - verb - object. Examples:
  Active - Jack threw the ball. - Subject-verb-object
  Passive - The ball was thrown by Jack.

Table of contents

• Place a table of contents at the start of a lengthy publication.

Headings

• Headings allow the reader to see easily what the section is about.
• The font size, typeface, and other formatting elements of a heading help the reader distinguish the sections of a document.

Complex ideas

• Break down a complex idea by using a chart, list or diagram.
  
  Example:
  Complex - Intake offers front line services to the general population, regardless of age (0-100 years old), as well as crisis and emergency intervention. Intake receives all requests for psychosocial services, evaluates the needs and refers the person to the appropriate services…The service stabilizes the person’s situation before referring him or her to another service.
  
  Simple - Services offered –
  • Crisis and emergency interventions
  • Information and referral
  • Evaluation and diagnosis
  • Prompt intervention.