My Writing Style

Plain English Campaign   Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:32 am GMT
Summary
• Stop and think before you start writing. Make a note of the points you want to make in a logical order.
• Prefer short words. Long words will not impress your customers or help your writing style.
• Use everyday English whenever possible. Avoid jargon and legalistic words, and always explain any technical terms you have to use.
• Keep your sentence length down to an average of 15 to 20 words. Try to stick to one main idea in a sentence.
• Use active verbs as much as possible. Say ‘we will do it’ rather than ‘it will be done by us’.
• Be concise.
• Imagine you are talking to your reader. Write sincerely, personally, in a style that is suitable and with the right tone of voice.
• And always check that your writing is clear, helpful, human and polite.