How to make every message you write easier to read and understand
Why readability? | |
 | What’s the importance of readability? Low literacy, information overload and time spent reading But can they read it? Will they? Readable messages reach more readers, communicate better and boost the bottom line. |
Rev up readability | |
 | Why you should write short content — and how to do it What difference does the length of your content make? How long is too long? Short content increases reading, understanding, conversion rates and more. Here’s how to reduce word count and write short articles. |
 | When it comes to paragraph length … ‘Long grafs are a visual predictor that a story won’t work’ Write more shorter paragraphs: If your paragraphs are too long, readers will skip them. |
 | Take the Numb Out of Numbers Make numbers count: Many readers have low numeracy, or numerical literacy. In this environment, communicators must work harder to make sure our numbers are interesting, relevant and right. |
 | Why write short sentences — and how to do it Short, simple sentences boost comprehension Why write short sentences? Short, simple sentences are easier to understand than long sentences. Use these tips for to write short sentences and avoid dependent clauses. |
 | Write subject verb object Activate the passive voice: Choose the active voice, not passive construction. |
 | What’s the right word length for readability? What’s the character count of your average word? Words that work: Word length is the top predictor of readability. The number of words in a sentence is No. 2. So what’s the character count of your average word? |
 | Get the gobbledygook and gibberish out Jargon. Buzzwords. Acronyms. They’re things that make your readers go, “huh?” And we need to get them out of our messages. |
 | How to avoid adjectives and adverbs Replace weak modifiers with strong nouns and verbs The ‘great deceivers’: Adjectives and adverbs give “the illusion of meaning without its substance,” according to The Associated Press Guide to Good News Writing. |
 | How to make messages more readable Measure, monitor and manage readability Can you read me now? Measurably increase readability scores. |
 | How to develop a conversational writing style Connect with your audience by writing conversationally This ain’t your high school thesis or an academic paper. Short sentences and a conversational tone are more important than formal writing and grammatical rules. |
Readability tools | |
 | Measure readability with these readability tools Get a free readability score with these readability apps How does your readability measure up? Measure, monitor and manage readability with these readability tools. |
Get more tips on readability on Rev Up Readership.