Making them navigable.
WHAT STRUCTURE PROVIDES
The ability to find what you need without reading everything.
WHAT TO USE
Headings that describe content Short paragraphs Lists, where items are genuinely a list White space
WHAT A GOOD HEADING DOES
Tells the reader what is beneath it.
WHAT A POOR ONE LOOKS LIKE
Background Considerations Next steps, with nothing specific
WHAT TO PREFER
Headings that state the point.
WHAT EXAMPLE SHOWS IT
Costs rose because of exchange rates, rather than Cost analysis.
WHY THAT WORKS
Reading only the headings conveys the argument.
WHAT PARAGRAPH LENGTH TO AIM FOR
A few sentences.
WHY
Long blocks are skipped.
WHAT LISTS ARE FOR
Items of the same kind.
WHAT THEY ARE NOT FOR
Sentences broken up to appear organised Arguments requiring connection
WHY
Lists remove the relationships between ideas.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LONG DOCUMENTS
A summary, and a contents list.
WHAT TO NUMBER
Sections, for reference.
WHAT FORMATTING TO USE SPARINGLY
Emphasis.
WHY
Everything emphasised means nothing is.
WHAT TO KEEP CONSISTENT
Heading levels, spacing and terminology.
