Scattershot writing creates frustrating reading. When a message includes unrelated or loosely connected ideas, readers are left to decipher what to do with the information.
Don’t force your readers to search for understanding. Instead, create easy reading through a clear main point, relevant supporting points, and effective transitions.
How can I create a clear main point?
Before you begin writing, think about the main takeaway you want to express to your reader. This main point should explain what you are writing about (your subject) and tell why you are writing about it (your purpose). Try expressing it in a single sentence using this formula:
Subject
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Purpose
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Main Point
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a new product prototype
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I want feedback from my team.
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Please review the new Skillsbook prototype and offer your feedback.
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How can I create relevant supporting points?
To maintain coherence, include relevant supporting details. What makes a detail relevant? Generally, a relevant detail clarifies or answers one of the 5 Ws and H questions related to your main point: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
For example, someone reading the sample main point from above would expect supporting sentences to explain how to access the prototype, where to deliver the feedback, and by when. If the supporting sentences instead shared details about an upcoming company retreat, the reader would rightfully feel confused.
So, when you revise your writing, check your supporting sentences to see if they clarify or answer something about your main point. If they don’t, delete them.
How can I use effective transitions?
Transitions are words or phrases that bind ideas so your reader knows exactly how one point connects to the next. You can add transitions to link ideas between sentences, paragraphs, or sections.
Aliya and I expect to complete the prototype this afternoon. Upon completion, we will send you a secure link for your review.
Notice that the transition not only gives a reader a sense of time (upon) but also repeats a key idea from the previous sentence (complete/completion). Both the transition and repetition create a bridge between the two ideas.
The best way to identify where to place transitions is to read your writing out loud. When the writing sounds choppy or the focus changes abruptly, add a transition to smoothen the sequence or signal to your reader what comes next.
Use these common transitions to signal different patterns of meaning:
Time
first, second, third, last, next, to begin, finally, currently, later, then, after, upon, when
Importance
the biggest reason, another reason, in addition, a final reason, first of all, secondly, furthermore, most importantly
Example
for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
Emphasis
even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
Compare/Contrast
as, like, similarly, in the same way, likewise, also, however, in contrast, nevertheless, though, but, yet, still
Cause/Effect
because, due to, the reason, the catalyst, as a result, consequently, the outcome, the conclusion
Problem/Solution
because of, problem-causing, as a result of, creates issues, proposing a, eliminating the, suggesting a, changing the
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