March 05, 2010: What you learned in school was wrong
Category: Communications
Posted by: David M Patt
I was taught that a paragraph must consist of at least three sentences.
That is not true.
When writing, the visual impact of your words are as important as the content.
People are less inclined to read long paragraphs. Break up copy (in a logical way, of course) so that it is more inviting and easier on the eyes.
Don't use long sentences. Don't use semi-colons. Don't use big words that readers won't understand (unless you want them to feel dumb).
Write for your audiences and change your style, if necessary, for different audiences.
Make people want to read what you've written.
That is not true.
When writing, the visual impact of your words are as important as the content.
People are less inclined to read long paragraphs. Break up copy (in a logical way, of course) so that it is more inviting and easier on the eyes.
Don't use long sentences. Don't use semi-colons. Don't use big words that readers won't understand (unless you want them to feel dumb).
Write for your audiences and change your style, if necessary, for different audiences.
Make people want to read what you've written.
