Page 121 - Planning Group Induction Pack_Neat

Contents

Introduction: writing to be understood ......................................................................................................... 3
Advice for the busy writer............................................................................................................................... 4

One idea in a sentence works best. Avoid run-on sentences and linking punctuation ........................... 4
Sentence length ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Avoid jargon ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Write (and think) in the positive ..................................................................................................................... 4

Use active voice ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Verbs ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Commit - use sparingly ................................................................................................................................... 5
Acronyms/initialisms ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Ampersands (&) ............................................................................................................................................... 6
In text, write the name in full: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Ampersands are not widely used in titles. .................................................................................................... 6

Spelling ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Punctuation ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Writing for the web ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Keep your introduction brief and to the point ............................................................................................ 13

Use natural language .................................................................................................................................... 13
Say why .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Don’t forget how your content will be accessed ........................................................................................ 13
Writing for social media ................................................................................................................................ 14

Tips for your Yammer post ........................................................................................................................... 14
Tips for Facebook .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Tips for Twitter ............................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix A: Avoiding deadwood phrases ................................................................................................. 22

Appendix B: Appropriate language when writing about Aboriginal people and culture ....................... 25
Appendix C: Hyphenation ............................................................................................................................. 27
Appendix D: Acronyms ................................................................................................................................. 28
Appendix E: Definitions ................................................................................................................................ 32

Appendix F: Citations and references ......................................................................................................... 33

Writing with style 1
Our guide to better writing and reaching your readers