Jane Austen “How quick come the reasons for approving what we like.” Want to be a more persuasive writer? A few suggestions: Tap into the reader’s values. Be decisive. Don’t sit on the fence. Force the reader to take sides, hopefully with you Ask the reader a question, often framed as a dilemma. Help them […]
03
Dec
Dec
What’s your reaction when you’re asked to give feedback? I expect it’s that unpleasant feeling when you feel obliged to do something, but would rather not. Most of us don’t like giving feedback. Somehow there is a negative element associated with it. However, we need feedback. Others need it too. Giving it to others helps […]
01
Dec
Dec
The first question is: who are you writing this customisation guide for? As a technical writer, the skill to developing a useful guide is to keep the reader in mind. Who will be reading this customisation guide? What’s the most important thing they need to know? How can I make this more helpful to them? […]
Use this checklist to review business, medical, or technical documentation. It is recommended to review the document for start to finish for each item on this list, instead of reviewing all items as you go through the document. In other words, check that all images are correct throughout the document. Fix any errors. Then go […]
18
Nov
Nov
No one wants to admit they’re lazy. I don’t. But if we’re not careful we end up getting into ruts, stagnating, going in the same circles, getting less results each time. So, how to stop this? In no order: Read outside your comfort zone. Ask for feedback, but not from your staff. Go to events […]
The purpose of screenshots is to compliment the text, not replace it. This means that your screenshots compliment what you’ve written and help orient the reader. They also help reduce anxiety in the reader as they can check if they are on the right window. What to capture Identify where the user needs to perform […]
11
Sep
Sep
I’m not the type of person that likes to plan, but I do see the benefit. Taking f.a.t., for example. It’s really hard to get rid of. Try as I might it just won’t budge. Actually, that’s not totally true. If I create a goal, stick to it, and measure my success, the pounds do […]
Before you put your hands on the keyboard and start typing, ask yourself: Specific – what’s the one thing I want this person to understand? Response – what’s the response I want from this person? Incentive – what incentive can I give this person to reply as fast as possible? #1 What’s the one thing […]
