In our classes, we always discuss reader-centered writing; that is,
writing that fully considers readers and what they want and need and how
they're going to use the document. Another element of this is "noise."
"Noise" can be categorized as the distractions readers face when reading.
Some of these, of course, are caused by the writer and some are the result
of noisy offices,...
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Posted in: using words
popupPositivity in WritingSimplicity and Positivity Key to Effective Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
In verbal communication, less is expressed in words than in the expression, tone, and emotion conveyed by the speaker. Verbal skills come naturally; on the other hand, developing effective written communication skills can take years and quite a bit of training. Below are two simple, yet effective,...
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Why oh why do some writers seem to intentionally want to muddle meaning and make reading and understanding that much more difficult for readers? It's astounding to me that some writers intentionally use words that obfuscate (how's that for a word??) meaning. Essentially, they use "pompous" language, or to put it simply, big words that aren't necessary. Using pompous language is a pet peeve of mine,...
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