Corporate Paragraphs from Hell
In today’s frantic, frenzied world, it’s become a key rule of writing well: today’s paragraphs should contain no more than three (very short) sentences.
A two-sentence paragraph is even better. And one-sentence paragraphs are okay now and then (no matter what Sister Bernadette might have taught you).
And yet, companies continue to publish paragraphs so dense, readers clutch the edge of their desk and take a deep breath before plunging headlong into the jungle of text.
Paragraphs like:
And,
The three-sentence-max guideline applies to thought leadership and press releases, as well as to web content and customer stories.
In my customized onsite workshops, I show those people who produce thought leadership, feature articles, intranet content and press releases how to make sure their paragraphs work for today’s more-distracted reader.
Review the accolades they’ve received
Do some of the paragraphs in your content resemble one of the walls one has to scale on “American Ninja Warrior?”
Bring one of my sessions onsite so I can help your employees make their content more accessible and memorable.
Jeff Herrington
Jeff Herrington Communications
jeff@jeffherrington.com
