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How to Irritate Your Readers - 2 Things to Avoid Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:21:00 +0000Posted by LousyWriter.com by Desolie Page
So often people write basically the way they speak. That has its advantages - friendly, chatty, empathetic.
But it can also have its problems when used in non-fiction.
As writing has always been a more formal way of communication, some aspects of speaking don't transfer well into written language. It can be very embarrassing to read a transcript of, say, a workshop presentation or a discussion. Often sentences are incomplete or poorly structured. It's successful when speaking because there are visual and auditory clues that help the listener understand the message.
However, when writing, those clues aren't present. The writer has to compensate for that by using clear, precise words, and making the text as easy as possible for the reader - lessening the possiblity of irritated readers who don't finish reading the document.
The first item that can be irritating for readers is the use of 'double-speak'. That's when you say the same thing more than once. In formal terms - using a tautology. Because of the speed at which we speak, and the frequency with which tautologies are used, they're often not noticed. But they can be quite noticeable - and possibly irritating - in written language.
- free gift: can a gift be anything but free?
- extra bonus: a bonus is always something extra
- a choice of options
- unite together
- simultaneously at the same time
- continue on
- future predictions
- new innovations
- reduce down
- 5 am in the morning
Yes, such 'double-speak' can be used to stress a point, but generally in non-fiction, you're wanting to get your message across to your reader as clearly and precisely as possible. So it's best to avoid tautologies unless you have a specific reason for them.
The second area is the use of cliches - you know those well-used phrases that we use simply because they're the latest buzz words or because they've been around for ever.
- window of opportunity
- move the goalposts
- bottom line
- the greatest thing since sliced bread
No, there's nothing wrong with any of those phrases in themselves, but finding a fresh way to express your thoughts makes for interesting writing that will hold your readers' attention.
So how about 'Preventing disruption is our most important issue' instead of writing 'Our bottom line is preventing disruption'. The readers' attention is immediately focused on what it is that is so important.
Your task as a writer is to get your message across so that your readers will take the action you're wanting them to. So avoiding 'double-speak' and cliches can reduce the possiblitly of irritated readers who won't be responsive to your message.
For more tips on increasing the effectiveness of your non-fiction writing, visit www.perfectpages.net.au
Desolie Page is an accredited editor and owner of Perfect Pages, a boutique practice that helps business and technical writers sharpen their writing. When you need help with editing, proofreading, copywriting or web content writing, contact me to find out how I can help. Needing to set up a style guide for your organisation? I can help you with that, and train your writers in how to use the guide. I've developed and present workshops for business and technical writers, an excellent way to sharpen your writing. All aspects of my work focus on the use of plain English and ways to increase the readability of your document. I can help you sharpen your writing: your readers will thank you. Find out more about me by visiting http://perfectpages.net.au
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