Writing Instructions to Improve Your Writing Skills

I recently covered improving non-fiction writing through the use of studying fiction structure. Today, I’d like to continue with another writing style; writing instructions.

Your website may not be a how-to website, but writing out instructions can help you hone your writing skills in general.

Writing instructions includes giving step-by-step details of how to do something, procedures to follow, operating machinery, or a computer, etc. These are written as commands using an active voice.

Before you write instructions you need to understand what it is you’re giving directions on, so choose something that you’re extremely familiar with.

Second, focus on the audience, just as if you were writing a blog post; the audience is always the reason behind most of the writing you do.

Instructions are generally written in a specific style–like an outline. Practicing this will help you pinpoint key components in your writing and cut out the wordiness that some writers tend to use–I’m guilty of this one.

Instructions are written as commands and not in story or narrative form. They should be clear and concise with each direction or step having its own line.

Example:

1. Research material.

2. Take notes on important aspects.

3. Consider your audience.

4. Use commands.

5. Use steps.

6. Be concise.

7. Define difficult words.

8. Include cautionary items or statements.

9. Follow chronological order.

10. Use visuals when available or necessary.

The above examples are actual guidelines you can use to practice writing instructions. If it were written in story or narrative style it would not be as clear or concise and could lead to misunderstandings. It would also be too wordy.

Example:

You begin by researching the material you want to cover and taking notes. Once you’ve gathered your notes you should consider who your audience will be. Write your instructions in command form and break it down into steps so it’s easier to understand…

You get the idea.

Using structured writing can seem boring at first, and I admit it may not be the most exciting thing in the world. But it does have purpose and will help you learn to be precise in your writing.

One way to work on this is to find an instruction manual and rewrite the instructions. This is an excellent way to practice new writing skills or styles.

Image courtesy: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4192580635_07b983b69f.jpg

Written by Patti Stafford from Patti Stafford
Posted on March 12th, 2010 and filed under Writing
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