"If a technical writer has a choice of reading levels for a document (as measured by a readability index), it is preferable to aim for a reading level that is a little to high, rather than a little too low, which might insult the intelligence of your readers."
I think this statement definitely has the correct idea. While you never want to talk over someone's head it would be even worse to talk down to someone. The most important thing to remember when you are writing a document that needs to be followed is that if you set it at too low a reading index you will bore your readers and make them feel stupid, however if you set your reading index too high you will succeed at nothing but frustrating your reader and sounding pretentious. The idea with technical writing is to find the middle ground. Find a way to give readers all the details they need in as few technical terms and details as possible. Follow the proper techniques for technical writing, using short sentences that are free of jargon and unnecessary information. While it is important to make sure the document is clearly understood, that your point is conveyed, and is correct, it's even more important that you are able to reach your target audience by aiming neither too high or too low.
http://info.hurleywrite.com/bid/60715/Ensuring-Readability-in-Scientific-and-Technical-Writing
I certainly agree with the "middle ground" approach. There is also a difference between writing and speaking. When you write, you have to make assumptions about the demographic of your readers. When you do a lecture or are in a classroom setting, it's much easier becuase you can do an on-site assessment.
ReplyDeleteI also concur with the use of jargon. I've been to events where the speakers use alot of technical catch phrases and acronyms that left me totally perplexed as to what they were talking about.....
I really appreciated your comments on my views. I do agree that it is detrimental to speak to below your audience. I feel that you are correct in making sure that you don't bore or insult your audience. I just want to make sure that I don't lose anyone and have them miss valuable information by being to technical. That seems to be the real challenge with presenting information. Thankfully I don't have to do this type of training often.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Nate that a middle ground need to be established. You do not want to offend your readers, but you still want to make sure that the masses are able to understand your writing and not be bored with it.
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