Tips for plain language: Keep sentences short

It’s easier for your reader to absorb your message if you keep your sentences short – around 15 to 20 words. By removing repetition and verbiage, using lists and headings properly, and shortening sentences, your reader will grasp your message faster.

If a sentence is too long - split and disconnect. Full stops allow your readers to digest your latest point and prepare for the next.

Newsletters can be informative, creative, serious, fun, printed or electronic − perhaps they’re just part of a work project. They can be large or small, and distributed on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis depending on your needs.

Compare these two statements:

1. I understand that some doctors making night calls have been attacked in recent months on the expectation that they were carrying drugs and their caution when visiting certain areas in the south of the city has been very exacting and has even included telephoning the address to be visited from their car when they arrive outside the house.

2. I understand that some doctors making night calls have been attacked in recent months on the expectation that they were carrying drugs. Their caution when visiting certain areas in the south of the city has been very exacting. It has even included telephoning the address to be visited from their car when they arrive outside the house.