Page 124 - Planning Group Induction Pack_Neat

Advice for the busy writer

Less is more. Wordiness is the enemy of effective communication.
Don’t be tricked by your familiarity with the content. What you think is clear could confuse the audience. Test
out your content on a colleague or friend who knows nothing about the subject.

One idea in a sentence works best. Avoid run-on sentences and linking punctuation

Sentence length
Short and simple sentences up to 15 words in length help keep your writing to the point.

The occasional shorter sentence of 10 words or less can give your writing extra punch and make a point the
reader will remember.
Mixing long and short sentences produces a better rhythm for the reader.

Avoid jargon

Everyone agrees - we hate jargon when other people use it. But we can be unaware we are using it
ourselves when communicating with our colleagues. Keep alert to jargon creeping in.

Write (and think) in the positive

Make points in the positive. This helps to avoid unnecessary complexity.

Example:
In the case of local government regulations not adhering to the department’s policy, do not proceed if the
contract is not first put to the planning subcommittee. (negative)
Clear English version
If there is a difference between local government and department policy, send the contract to the planning
subcommittee before starting the project. (positive)

Use active voice
Active voice - placing the verb after the subject - brings energy to writing. The writing is shorter, punchier and
easier to remember.

Example:
The region was visited by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water on Monday.
(passive)
Clear English version
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water visited the region on Monday. (active)

Passive voice usually places the subject after the verb, or doesn’t state the subject. Only use passive voice
to:
• give a softer tone to your message
• avoid revealing who performed an action

• focus the reader on the receiver of the action.

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