This is the third in a series of tips on how to write for readers who will most likely be reading your document on a screen.
Tip 5: Use outlines. Usability studies show that users prefer organizational schemes that use hierarchies. Hierarchies make the logic of your argument visible and easier to process rapidly.
Tip 6: Omit words. Avoid conclusory assertions that sound important but provide little information. Avoid adverbs used for emphasis (e.g., “clearly applies,’ “entirely speculative”).
It’s important, however, to know when not to be too brief. Don’t delete necessary legal or factual support. To aid comprehension of complex concepts, you can use the concept of “chunking,” which means presenting information in short, easy to digest segments. Chunking can be achieved by breaking text into visual parts, such as separate sentences, numbered points or entries in a chart.
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