Be concise Write in a minimalist style, and be to the point.
Last modified: 4/9/98
Overviews should be concise
When giving overview information, be concise. Save the details and flowing language for those that want them or have the time, but don't slow down the skimmer. This doesn't mean skip the details, just keep them from people who don't need them. See the "Provide detail" technique for more information about providing details.
Be direct
Studies have shown that simple, direct language works better on screen than flowery or "marketing oriented" prose.
Techniques you can use to be concise include:
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Lists
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Short phrases instead of full sentences
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Direct conclusions
Notice how much easier the list above is to read than this paragraph. Make sure that you are not providing less information just because you are being concise. For example, the direct conclusions can link to, or be followed by, a list of reasons for the conclusion, also written as short statements.
This paragraph is even worse. It is one of the worst paragraphs in this entire document, maybe on the whole Internet (how's that for hyperbole?). As anyone with any bit of sense can see as clearly as the clearest clean glass, the impressive use of extra words makes this paragraph unusually hard to read or skim. This should impress you by how incredibly clever this is as an excellent example of what you should never in a million years do when you want a business document that will impress your co-workers and result in that long sought-after, and exceedingly well deserved, raise or promotion.
One point per paragraph
Some people suggest that paragraphs should be limited to one point, and that point should be made clear in the first sentence. Readers are often skimming and will not finish reading the paragraph to the end to find the conclusion.
Use subheads like this to help skipping ahead
If you must provide detail that can be skipped in the flow of text, put in aids, such as headings or un-indenting, to let the reader know what comes next and where it is.
