I’d like to introduce you to two readers:
Satisfied, Spellbound Sam
Sam is engaged and focused. He’s neither tripping over misplaced punctuation nor lost in ambiguity. He easily finds the information he’s looking for when he begins reading your book, pamphlet, or webpage. He understands what you’re saying because you wrote it in a clear, cohesive way with little fluff. He’s motivated to read more.
Frustrated, Fed-Up Fred
Fred is distracted and confused. He’s not even finished with your first paragraph, and he’s already lost. There are commas in all the wrong places; sentences don’t flow smoothly and meaning is ambiguous. He has to reread sections. It’s taking more time than it should. He’s struggling. He’s questioning the quality of your brand and the validity of your ideas. Fred decides to stop reading.
Do you want your readers to feel like Sam or Fred?
If people can easily navigate your text and understand your ideas, they’ll feel like Satisfied, Spellbound Sam. And your communication goals will have been met.
What’s the best way to ensure your readers don’t end up like Frustrated, Fed-Up Fred?
Make sure your text has been edited.
Whether it’s a manuscript, a blog post, a cover letter, or a business memo, don’t take the chance of publishing it or sending it with errors.
You’ve taken the time to write. It’s a good idea to leave time for editing so your readers aren’t frustrated.
