id: 1422,3
title: Write with the readers’ context in mind to increase effectiveness.
date: 2024-03-17

Write with the readers’ context in mind to increase effectiveness.

The average reader reads 240 words-per-minute (WPM). Brevity of words and fewer ideas or requests help readers access what’s most important. Make reading easy by shortening sentences and using short/common words. Design for ease of navigation by:

  • Making ther most important things immediately visible
  • Separating distinct ideas
  • Placing ideas in priority order
  • Grouping related ideas
  • Using headings
  • Adding visuals

Formatting should be used just enough. Overuse will dilute the most important points which need formatting to highlight. Finally, readers need to be told why the text matters and why it applies to them (or, who it’s supposed to apply to).rD6

  1. ↩

    Sam Thomas Davies, “Words Into Works #099 | The Six Principles of Effective Writing,” December 11, 2023, https://www.samuelthomasdavies.com/the-six-principles-of-effective-writing/. (See notes.)