Goal: Encourage writers to adopt a reader-first mindset by anticipating the reader’s needs, knowledge, and potential difficulties to make texts more understandable and inclusive.
Being able to see the reader’s perspective is one of the most important skills of a good writer. In this grain, we will help you use your empathy and critical thinking skills to make your text more understandable.
When writing, try to imagine the perspective of someone who has only just started learning about the topic. Remember: even if the information seems basic to you, your reader may see it as way less obvious.
After you finish the first draft of the text, re-read it, and ask yourself:
- Would you understand this text if you weren’t the author?
- What might confuse someone reading this for the first time?
- Do they have all the information needed to follow along?
- Are there any words or ideas that need to be explained more clearly?
If you struggle with making your thoughts understandable, you can also try leaving your text for a day or two and then reading it again to make final corrections. A short break can help you get more distance and a clearer view of your text.
One more method you can try is asking someone else to proofread your text. Try to choose someone who doesn’t know too much about the topic you’re presenting. They can show you the parts of the text that are difficult for them to understand. This way, you can implement their feedback and ensure that your text is inclusive.
Writing with the reader in mind is also called having a reader-first mindset. It means making your text helpful and understandable by thinking about your reader’s needs and limitations. When you write in this way, it shows that you care about making your message accessible to everyone.