Writing in brief: keep it simple, stupid*

People often feel they should use long words, a throwback perhaps to when this got you added points at school. But it’s something to avoid when blogging, when you probably want your words to be read by anybody passing.

Even newspapers designed for the most educated audiences avoid long, unusual words or jargon where possible. If you are part of a group, explore how you could tell the story of your place in as few words as possible.

If you know your subject well, check that the words you are using aren’t jargon by asking someone who knows nothing about the subject if they know what you mean. If they look unsure, find a different word or explain what you mean.

* Not an insult, an old bit of journalism jargon: KISS