Consider Different Ways



Consider different ways of setting out your information. Everyone knows that the written word alone is not always the best way of communicating a message. Graphic devices such as tables, illustrations, pie charts, diagrams, maps, strip cartoons, mathematical formulas, and photographs can all help.

Compare:

  1. You now hold three equity plans. The 1992 plan is mature and is valued at £462.08. The 1993 plan will not become mature until 1 January 1995 and is currently valued at £645.43. The 1994 plan will mature on 1 January 1996 and is currently valued at £438.45.
  2. You now hold three equity plans as follows:

    Year of plan Current value Maturity date
    1992 £462.08 Already mature
    1993 £645.43 1 January 1995
    1994 £438.45 1 January 1996

Try using lists and question and answers to convey complex information.

Example:

  • Is the hiring fee £100 or less? - Please pay it in full when you book.


  • Is the hiring fee £101 to £199? - Please pay £100 deposit when you book, and then pay the rest at least 21 days before the event.


  • Is the hiring fee over £200? - Please pay half the hiring fee as a deposit when you book, then pay the rest at least 21 days before the event.

Or:

  • If the hiring fee is:

    • £100 or less, please pay it in full when you book,


    • £101 to £199, please pay £100 deposit when you book, then pay the rest at least 21 days before the event.


    • £200 or over, please pay half the hiring fee as a deposit when you book, then pay the rest at least 21 days before the event.



Related Links:


Keep Sentences Short.
Use words your readers are likely to understand.
Use only as many words as you really need.
Prefer the active voice.
Use the clearest, liveliest verb to express your thoughts.
Use Vertical Lists to make complex materil understandable.
Keep Electronic Text Communication simple.
Put your points positively when you can.
Reduce cross-references to the minimum.
Try to avoid sexist usage.
Avoidable English Errors are so many.
Avoid fusty first sentences and formula finishes.
Put accurate punctuation at the heart of your writing.
Avoid being enslaved by seven writing myths.
Plan Before You Write.
Organize your material in a simple way.
Consider different ways of setting out your information.
Devote special effort to producing lucid instructions.
Use clear layout to present your plain words.






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