Revising Your Draft
Regardless of your writing method, these revisions make your documents easy to read and give you the results you’re looking for.
Check for Organization. This revision solves the effects of Rambling Ralph.
Check for Clear and Concise Language. This revision keeps it simple and natural.
Check for Tone. This revision builds trust and collaboration.
Let’s take a look at each of these.
Revising for Organization
- Does the subject line forecast the content?
- Is the document presented in one of the three models of Writing to Get Things Done®?
- Does the opening paragraph state what you want to get done?
- Is a list organized under a forecasting sentence?
- Are ideas tied together with transitions and headings?
- Is there a clear deadline with a reason or consequence?
Revising for Clear and Concise Language
- Are the words short, informal, and concrete?
- Are the sentences short and simple?
- Are the verbs mostly active, with the doer preceding the verb?
- Is a list presented in parallel structure?
Revising for Tone
- Does the tone encourage or impede cooperation?
- Is the tone positive, friendly, and professional?
- Does it build goodwill and cement a cooperative, working relationship?
- Is the reader’s name used in a positive statement?
- Does the content stick to the solution…or complain about the problem?
- Did you use positive words and expressions?