Complete
Concise
Clear
Conversational
Courteous
Correct
Coherent
Considerate
Concrete
Credible
Necessary information is included.
Making your writing ..
Did you provide the reader with the information that he or she needs so follow-up questions aren't necessary?
ask the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how.
No extra words
Making your writing ..
Did you use the fewest number of words possible, so your reader doesn't have to wade through superfluous information?
The message makes sense
Making your writing ..
have you thought about what your reader knows and doesn't know, and the words you choose to use? Or, are you writing based on what you know, or what makes sense to you?
Hey Mohammed,
I need to talk to you and Ali about something urgent when you have time.
Hey Mohammed and Ali,
Are you both available Wednesday around 3:00 to brainstorm with me about the new corporate policies, their impact on our division, and the best way to implement them? I value your opinions!
Uses common language
Making your writing ..
does your writing sound as though you are writing to a human or to a robot?
Enclosed please find the following items.
Here are the materials you asked me to gather for you.
Per your request ..
As you requested ..
Tone is positive, focused on the reader
Making your writing ..
Is your tone pleasant, and have you shown the reader how he or she benefits from your information or policy? Or, does the message sound demanding, and it is all about the writer's interest?
All elements are accurate
Making your writing ..
At first glance, does your message look professional, and give a first good impression? Or does it give the impression that it was hurriedly prepared?
The ideas connect
Making your writing ..
do you leave your reader thinking that the ideas are jumbled or that they tie together smoothly?
The appearance is appealing
Making your writing ..
When a reader looks at your document, does it look inviting to read with bullets and headings, or does it use one or two long paragraphs, with no signpost to help guide the reader through the message?
Specifics are given
Making your writing ..
Have you included specifics, or are vague, meaningless words used?
Valid sources are included
Making your writing ..
Are reliable facts given from sources that can be located, or is the information from an unknown source such as the grapevine?