Fat Free Writing Series - Part One

A good technical writer can help guide the reader by using numbered steps to instruct. For example, the above paragraph would look like this:

How to Create a New Folder in Microsoft Windows

1. Click Start and select Programs.

2. From Programs, select the Window's Explorer option.

3. Select the My Documents folder on drive C.

4. Click on the File menu and select New.

5. From New, select Folder.

6. Look for the icon of a new folder that appears with the default name, New Folder.

7. Click on the default name and type a new name for the folder, then press ENTER.

Most readers would prefer the second example when performing their task. They don't need the extra words. They only complicate the instructions and distract the reader from staying focused of the subject.

Next week, in part two of the Fat Free Writing Series, we'll examine examples of ambiguous phrases and learn more ways to remove the fat from our writing.

Microsoft and Microsoft Windows are either a registered trademark or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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