I sit down to write about a complex topic. My first thought? Here I go again.
I’m about to battle with myself about the appropriate writing level for this topic. I say for the topic not for the reader because my readership is diverse–you have many levels of experience.
I’ve been writing for diverse skill groups for almost three decades. I’ve also been training editors to do the same thing. There are some mistakes that everyone makes, and some techniques that can make what you write more more useful and engaging for at least 80% of your readers.
These are some tips on writing for a readership that includes beginners to experts. Let’s imagine I’m one of those readers. Here’s what I want you to do.
- Write for someone who’s like you, but doesn’t know what you know about this topic. Choose a voice you’d be comfortable reading. Take an approach that makes sense to you. Use a structure that follows your logic. I’ll be grateful that you made clear decisions about presenting the information, because your article will be easy to follow.
- Don’t worry about insulting me. Give me information. I’m smart, but that doesn’t mean I know. If you worry about insulting me, you unconsciously omit information. Often that detail you think is obvious is the one detail that I can’t see. You’re more likely to upset me by confusing me than by telling me too much.
- I like a well-written review of the basics. Hey, we all forget little things, and we all like to feel smart. As long as you don’t beat me over the head with stuff, I don’t mind hearing good information again. I learned the value of review in school. Just don’t make me feel like I’ll be tested on it.
- Do all you can not to be self-conscious. Writers who are too aware of their readers, thinking too much of what their readers might think, write in a way that makes readers uncomfortable. If you think you are worried that readers might see you as unqualified, ask someone to read your work before you post it. It’s likely that you need to add some confidence.
- Don’t end your post with a sentence that says, “I hope you really liked what I wrote.” You’ve given me advice as an expert. I want to believe you are one. If I’ve made it there, I’m convinced–to say that tells me I might have been wrong.
Two points are for bloggers who might be nervous.
Keep in mind that some expert readers may want to help out a beginner, and you’ll have more confidence writing the basics, especially if you’re worried that they already know them. But before you convince yourself that all of your experts know all of the basics, think of how fast things change and how many self-taught people there are. If you are thorough in your writing, there is a good chance you’ll be teaching some of your experts something they didn’t know too.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Another set of great pointers. This is really helpful for the novice.
Hi Kristene,
Thanks. Glad to hear that I could help.
Liz
Great stuff, Liz. I feel like I should be paying you for this information/consultation 😉
I, myself am totally self-taught and I’m continually learning, so I get to pass things off to my readers as I learn them. This really means that I don’t get too far above myself thinking I’m preaching to beginners because basically I like to feel (and thus write) like we’re all in this together.
Hey Martin,
Thanks. Here’s your drink. It’s been a little quiet tonight. So the company is nice.
The whole thing is that with things changing so quickly most everyone has what I like to call “swiss cheese” knowledge. You know holes here and there. Those holes tend to make for little insecuritites for some people. They don’t mind if you help fill them in. In fact, they’re usually really interested.
Liz
hmmm… swiss cheese AND a drink! I thought you were going to say their knowledge is full of holes 🙂 but I know what you mean. The big part is knowing what holes need filling most.
Yeah, Martin.
I’m starting a ground on up series on SEO, announcing it officially tomorrow. There’s too much I had to pick up by the seat of my pants I’ve only been able to find one source that has it all and it’s pretty intimidating if you’re a new guy. . . . Besides there shouldn’t be only one source for anything.
How’s work?
Liz
This is a struggle I face daily on my Genetics and Public Health Blog. I am primarily writing for the general public, but I know plenty of scientists read too. Since I find myself questioning my own knowledge of basic info, I do end up posting a little background for most topics or else providing a link. That’s the great thing about blogs, it’s easy for people to go to other sources you provide to get more info. Not so for print media.
Hi Lei,
Good to see you again.
Next week I’m going to start a series on SEO. I’ve invited a programmer friend to help me. I’m talking the role of learner. Watch how it goes. I encourage you to let people watch you learn. It’s no fun being stuck between self-conscious and sending people other places to get their information. 🙂
If you want email me and we’ll talk about it.
Liz
as always, very informative read. It’s nice to have a “neighbor” who shares important tips on how to blog/write better. 🙂
I usually don’t think of anyone while I am writing except myself, and what I would want to read (even if that does sound selfish). But sometimes it helps to write something with a particular person in mind. When I think of an entire group, I have no chance.
Ni Melissa,
This time I know who you are withou looking!! YEA!
Welcome! Now if you can just teach me to behave.
Liz
Hi there, Indie!
Welcome Back!
Since your autdience is so much like you that workd. In fact, it probably works better because you read more voraciously than they and have higher standards for your owrk.
I used to tell the people who worked for me to write for one kid in the classroom not for all of them. If you don’t personalize your audience in some way, you lose track of them.
I write much of my other blog for my own ear for the same reasons. I’m a more discriminating reader.
Liz
I do feel that my readers and I share the same interests, but that may have come about because I wrote aiming for my own interests. On the other hand, I hate to insult so many clever people by saying that they are like me!
Ah, Indie,
But if you don’t like it.
Why would they? 🙂
Smiles,
Liz