Writing for the Reader Brain:
Make it easy to understand
Make it feel easier to understand, because it will be easier.
Use these practices to require less effort from the reader. These practices also lead to better recall and retention of information.
Use these practices to require less effort from the reader. These practices also lead to better recall and retention of information.
Words
Choose familiar words.
Sentences
Meet readers’ expectations for natural sentence order in the language you are using: in English that is Subject-Verb-Object.
Content Framework
Structure and lay-out
Make connections
Help the reader make connections.
Inferences and Predictions
A reader anticipates sequence and consequence.
Priming and Recency
Choose familiar words.
- Choose concrete words, not abstractions.
- Use the same word every time you mean the same thing.
- Use words and phrases that the reader can picture.
- Use metaphors if they are universal, not culturally specific.
- When choosing a verb, remember that familiarity is more important than variety.
Sentences
Meet readers’ expectations for natural sentence order in the language you are using: in English that is Subject-Verb-Object.
- Put your subject and verb near the start of sentence.
- Keep subject and verb as close together as possible.
- Put modifiers after the main verb.
- Use active instead of passive verbs, unless you can justify passive voice.
- Use a concept (anything less concrete) as the subject of the sentence if you need to. But don’t use it to express the main action.
- Prefer core verbs to nouns created from them, to express the main message or purpose.
Content Framework
- Build a framework for the content to help the reader limit the possible meanings of words.
- Help the reader create a mind-map of the material.
- Make a narrative unfold clearly and sequentially: tell a story.
- Use markers like headings for categories to create a road map of the content.
- Readers expect a beginning and an obvious ending.
Structure and lay-out
- Chunk and label the content to make it easier to process and remember.
- Use heading and subheadings as signals that preview the content.
- Chunk the information: keep sentences short and simple.
- Keep lists to only 3 to 5 items. Use bullets unless the items have a chronologic or hierarchical order.
- Simplify; remove distractions. Remove words that are not doing work to clarify the message.
Make connections
Help the reader make connections.
- Create a thread of keywords.
- Use transitions between thoughts to make connections or differences obvious.
- Put key words and terms near the start of sentences. Use keywords and advance organizers (structural elements that guide the reader).
- Use headings and subheadings to preview the content—set a framework for meanings.
- Link new information to existing knowledge.
Inferences and Predictions
A reader anticipates sequence and consequence.
- Use an actor or specific idea as the subject.
- Use predictable chronology, sequence, or story.
- Put the most important, new information at the end of the sentence or paragraph.
Priming and Recency
- Provide the topic description early in the paragraph.
- Help readers access patterns that make sense of the paragraph.
- Use familiar formats and meet expectations of the for the genre.
- Summarize the primary message at the end of a paragraph or document, so readers remember it easily.