Introduction

TECHNIQUES OF
Fundamental need for adaptation
READABLE WRITING
Adapt your writing to the reader
Introduction
Visualize your reader
Word Selection
Write so the lower levels can
Non-Discriminatory Writing understand and the higher levels
Sentence Construction can maintain interest
Paragraph Design
Use Computers to Improve Writing
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Introduction Introduction

Readability is determined by
Example
Word choice
Communicating with rank-and-file
readers who have no business Sentence length
experience Paragraph length
Communicating with stockholders Do not apply writing techniques
who are well informed in the mechanically
language of finance
Use good judgment

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 Word Selection Word Selection

Select words the reader understands Bring writing to life with words
Use strong vigorous words Use concrete words
Prefer familiar and common words Prefer active over passive verbs
to unfamiliar and complex terms
Performer is unknown
Prefer the short and simple to the
heavy and long word Prefers not to name the doer
Use specialized words with Identifies the doer but
caution downplays role in the event

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Word Selection Non-Discriminatory Writing

Avoid words that stereotype by

race or nationality
Avoid overuse of camouflaged verbs
Avoid sexist words and masculine
Use clear verb forms
pronouns
Select precise words
Avoid words that lower women's
Use correct idioms not faulty ones status
Make the reference plural

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 Sentence Construction Sentence Construction

Use words economically Show the relative importance of

Avoid cluttering and wordy phrases various facts in a report
Eliminate surplus words If the information is subordinated,
do it logically
Avoid roundabouts, go directly to
the point Give good emphasis to pertinent
points
Avoid needless or unnecessary
repetition Arrange the words grammatically
Give facts for proper emphasis Place related words close together

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Paragraph Design Use Computers to Improve Writing

Give the paragraph unity

Keep paragraphs short Spelling checkers
Use topic sentences effectively Punctuation and grammar checkers
Topic sentence first Clear writing analyzers
Topic sentence at end Asynchronous computer tools
Topic sentence within the paragraph Synchronous computer tools
Make the paragraph move forward

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