What is readability, and why should you care?

How to make every message you write easier to read and understand

Illiteracy is rampant, and your CEO might have ADD

But can they read it? Because readable messages reach readers, communicate better and boost the bottom line.

Rev up readability
	Reduce story length for concise copy Don’t leave readers wanting less How long is too long? Readers don’t want more information. They want the right information.

	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.

	Writing with statistics Take the Numb Out of Numbers Make numbers count: Find the right numbers, get the numbers right and stop making readers’ eyes glaze over.

	Sentences: They’re confusing Add a word, reduce comprehension Can they find their way out? Readers get lost in long, convoluted and otherwise difficult sentences.

	Choose short words for readability They’re the No. 1 predictor of reading ease Words that work: Word length is the top predictor of readability. The shorter your words, the easier your message is to read and understand. So choose short, simple words.

	Readable text reaches readers Make every piece you write easier to read and understand Can you read me now? Measurably increase readability scores.

	Conversational copy: Talk it out Write as you speak Conduct a sound check: Run the “Hey, did you hear?” test.