How to Write Short and Clear Texts

“I have made this longer than usual because I have not had time to make it shorter.” - French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal

Writing short and clear texts can help you communicate better. Here are some tips to help you do that:

1. Know your goal - Think about what you want to say and why. Are you giving information, asking for something, or answering a question? Knowing your goal will help you focus on your message.

2. Cut out extra words - Remove any words, phrases, or sentences that do not help your message. Be strict in editing and keep only what you need.

3. Use simple language - Use easy words that everyone can understand. Avoid technical terms, abbreviations, or hard words that might confuse your readers. Use short and common words when you can.

4. Highlight the main point - Decide what is the most important thing you want to say and make it stand out. Build your text around that main point and avoid adding unrelated or extra information.

5. Arrange information well - Put your information in a logical and clear order. If you have space, use headings, subheadings, bullets, or numbers to help organize your text and make it easier to scan. This helps readers understand and remember your message.

6. Format your text well - Split your text into short paragraphs or sections to make it look nice and easy to read. Use blank space well to create a neat and tidy layout. Consider using bold or italicized text to emphasize key points.

7. Choose the right tone - Be friendly and clear in your tone while being clear. Find a balance between being professional and being nice. Change your tone depending on what you are writing and who you are writing for.

8. Check and fix your text - Before you send or post your text, check it carefully. Look for any mistakes in spelling or grammar, weird wording, or unclear parts. Fix and change as needed to make your text clearer and better.

9. Think about your readers - Write in a way that suits your readers. Think about how much they know about the topic and use language and tone that match their level.

10. Get feedback - If you can, have someone else read your text and give you feedback. They can tell you how clear it is and how to improve it. Use their feedback to make your writing better.

By following these tips, you can write short and clear texts that tell your message well to your readers. Remember, short and clear texts are good for communication.