Writing Tips
- Read, read, read
- Remember the 5Ws!
- Keep sentences short. Keep sentences short and simple. Shoot
for 20 words or less - Simple, not complex. Use simple sentence structure and simple
words. - Use familiar words. But don’t use that as an excuse to avoid
building your vocabulary. - Avoid unnecessary words. Make every word count. Read what
you write. If it sounds wordy to you, it’s wordy to your reader,
too. - Use active verbs. Don’t use the passive voice. Make the reader
use all of his or her five senses. - Write in a conversational tone. Stay away from jargon. Write
like you were telling one of your friends what happened. - Use terms your reader can picture. Avoid the abstract and make
each word, each sentence, each paragraph bring the reader
closer to the story, to the experience. - Translate jargon. Use everyday English to explain the
special language every trade and profession has. - Be original. Develop a style of your own. Avoid clichés.
Think about how each sentence relates to each. Ask yourself,
“How can I make this read better?” - Express, not impress. The best writers can make the very
complex sound very simple. Make your message clear by writing
clearly.
