Clear Writing

Lessons

1. 01

   Signal vs Noise

   Find the reader’s next move, keep what changes it and put the request where they will see it.

   10 steps
2. 02

   Leading with the Useful Point

   Open with the answer to the reader’s question, in a subject line and first line they can act on.

   12 steps·Builds on Signal vs Noise
3. 03

   The Pyramid Principle

   See why data supports a claim only through a stated reason, and make first sentences carry the argument.

   10 steps·Builds on Leading with the Useful Point
4. 04

   Checking Groups and Gaps

   Count each item once and answer the reader’s “what about…?” before they ask it.

   9 steps·Builds on The Pyramid Principle
5. 05

   Plain, Exact Sentences

   Say who did what, cut the hedge stack and replace vague words with the figure or the date.

   10 steps·Builds on Signal vs Noise
6. 06

   Making Messages Easy to Scan

   Use labels, lists and tables that carry the meaning when the reader only skims.

   10 steps·Builds on Leading with the Useful Point
7. 07

   From Notes to First Draft

   Use the one-sentence test, draft fast, then edit from the top down.

   11 steps·Builds on Leading with the Useful Point, The Pyramid Principle, Plain, Exact Sentences
8. 08

   Writing a Status Update

   Separate what’s done, known, forecast and needed, and keep each condition beside its date.

   10 steps·Builds on Leading with the Useful Point, Making Messages Easy to Scan
9. 09

   Writing a Complaint

   Turn a grievance into a request a complaints handler can act on without phoning you.

   9 steps·Builds on Leading with the Useful Point, The Pyramid Principle, Plain, Exact Sentences