Master a writing structure that outperforms the traditional news format
Here’s the good news: You already know a structure that works for virtually everything you write.… Read the full article
Writing and editing
Topple the inverted pyramid style
Feature-style story structure outperforms the traditional news format
“Prose is architecture,” said Ernest Hemingway. “It’s not interior design.”
When you write, you’re building something. Specifically, when you’re writing corporate communications, content marketing or public relations messages, you’re building an argument.… Read the full article
Feature article structure outperforms pyramid
Impact study: Features boost readership, satisfaction, image
Feature-style stories outperform traditional news stories in readership, satisfaction and image.
That’s according to “The Impact Study of Newspaper Readership” (PDF).… Read the full article
Inverted pyramid structure of news writing topples
Ways With Words study: Features more effective
If I told you there was a communication tool that reduces readership, diminishes understanding and causes engagement to take a nosedive, would you use it?… Read the full article
Why are subheadings important online?
Show the parts with subheads
Think of subheads as the icing on the cake.
Skimmers look at subheads to learn what content you’re offering on a web page, blog post or news release.… Read the full article
What’s the best subheading format?
Think contrast, hierarchy
Subheads tell readers what content exists on a page and how different sections relate to the others. That guides readers to the copy they want to read and shows them how the parts fit together.… Read the full article
How to write a good subheading
Keep readers reading, skimmers scanning
The other day, I found a blog post of interest to me: “Maximizing student productivity: Tips for successful internship programs.”
My intern was scheduled to arrive in three minutes, so I quickly skimmed the story.… Read the full article
What’s the latest U.S. literacy rate?
Just 2% of global adults read at top level
Little confession here: I’m a geek. While you’re out partying on Saturday night, I’m cuddled up with a warm study.… Read the full article
Why is readability important to your readers?
Readable messages help everyone
I recently attended a conference where the Nielsen Norman Group unveiled its latest eyetracking research. After more than 20 years in the lab, watching people read and respond to text, they reported this finding:
“This is too easy to read.”
… Read the full articleWhat’s the average time spent reading [statistics!]?
Americans spend 16.2 minutes a day reading for fun
Some 69% of young executives and 43% of veteran professionals spend less than four hours a week reading for business.… Read the full article