What's included

• 1. Use simple words

  Short, simple words are preferable to fancy ones.

• 2. Main point first

  When you are describing a goal and the action needed to achieve it, start the sentence with the goal.

• 3. Be concise

  It’s worth saying again: The way we write is simple and direct.

• 4. Be positive

  Emphasize the action a user can take, not the action they can’t.

• 5. Avoid jargon, idioms, and slang

  Communications need to be understood by users the world over. Even the most common expressions in the US aren’t always understandable in other countries. “Catch you later” for “goodbye” or “no problem” instead of “you’re welcome” can lead to confusion. Jargon and internal terminology are also to be avoided.

• 6. Be consistent

  Use the same wording to refer to the same items and actions; don’t talk about the archive in one paragraph and switch to database in the next.

• 7. Stay active

  Avoid passive voice. Use active verbs and direct forms of speech whenever possible. It’s clearer and sounds more personal. Things aren’t done, we do things. It’s clearer, and it sounds better.

• 8. Avoid negative constructions

  Don't say You cannot access the content without signing up. Instead, say Sign up to access the content.

• 9. Use contractions

  Contractions sound more conversational.

• 10.Read it aloud

  If it doesn’t sound right, it doesn’t read right either. It’s also a good way to catch typos and errors. (Pharos.Jstor.Org)