Getting the Language Write

1
Getting the Language Write

• Editing Your Prose Effectively

2
How We Process Language

• Depends on readers context
• Mirrors everyday life
• Relies heavily on short-term memory
• Makes clear prose critical
• Performance (task) orientation
• Predictable patterns
• Familiar patterns

3
Write to communicate, not to impress

• get information to the readers brain as
  quickly, easily, and enjoyably as possible
• function is to communicate, not to write a
  manual
• write for people, not for professors (or
  students)

4
Refining Your Style General Guidelines

• Create clear, parallel structures
• Use acronyms and abbreviations sparingly
• Know your user
• Identify on first use/include glossary
• Use terms consistently
• Dont jump back and forth between synonyms
• Document your choices (Using this manual,
  Glossary)
• Emphasize user rather than product/process/tool

5
Refining Your Paragraphs Keep It Simple

• Paragraphs Structure to skim
• Short (Bite-size chunks)
• Operational/Task-Oriented
• Clear, relevant headings subheadings
• Concrete
• List-oriented

6
Refining Your Sentences Sound Normal

• Active Voice
• Simple, short structures
• Conversational tone
• Appropriate Slang
• Contractions
• Sentences ending with prepositions
• Sentences starting with And, But
• Avoid sexist language (pluralize, they)

7
Bottom Line

• Write to be used by real people under less than
  ideal circumstances.