The Writer’s Workshop

Readers and Web site visitors alike grow tired and impatient when they have to wade through pompous language, jargon and poor writing style to find what they want. To communicate effectively with target audiences, businesses and organizations need to follow proven principles of plain-language writing.

Simplified writing brings clarity to keynote messages and that is essential for any organization that wants communication tactics to be persuasive. These sample guidelines are designed for writing in a plain-language style that attracts attention and sustains the interest of readers and Web site visitors.

•    Minimize or eliminate jargon and tired “buzz” terms.
•    Trim wordy phrases and expressions.
•    Use shorter sentences of 18 to 20 words.
•    Vary sentence length.
•    Avoid redundant expressions such as “foreign imports” or “1 a.m. in the morning”.
•    Use active voice, with the action on the subject, not the activity.
•    Don’t personify companies, organizations or concepts.
•    Use simple analogies to explain complex ideas
•    Cut back or briefly define technical terms that readers may not understand.
•    When editing: if in doubt, leave it out or check it out.

Welcome to my desk. March 25th, 2009, marks the day I joined the blogging world. I’ve been in the business…well a long time. Getting my start in journalism and then into media, the times keep changing and I along with it.

I’m Edward Laba. I look forward to sharing my desk with you.