How to write simply about complex subjects

We write about a lot of complicated topics. Over the past 25 years we’ve developed techniques to help present complex information simply.

Consider trying the following tactics the next time you write or edit content about a complicated subject.

Outline before writing—and sometimes after. Always organize your thoughts coherently in an outline before you start writing. If you’re working with an existing draft that’s garbled and cluttered, try working backward: Take the draft and create an outline from it. This process will show you where key ideas are expressed unclearly, presented out of sequence or omitted, and will start you on the path to fixing the problems.

Make one point at a time. Complex topics require readers to hold many concepts in their heads simultaneously. A writer’s job is to untangle those concepts and organize them logically. If part of a draft is confusing, check whether your outline presents the key points discretely and precisely, in a clear, methodical sequence. If not, you can start fixing the problem by defining each essential idea.

Go back to basic grammar. Reading about complex topics is hard work. Elaborate phrasing makes the reader’s work harder. Structure sentences as subject, verb, object wherever possible.

Use more periods. Short sentences are easy to understand. If a sentence is confusing, try making it two sentences.

Use transition words judiciously. Sometimes it’s essential to start a sentence with a transition word like however, meanwhile, and, but or moreover. When those words aren’t essential, they’re confusing or distracting. Deleting them can free readers to focus on the ideas.

Cut everything you don’t need. Complex topics often connect to a web of related concepts. It can be tempting to reference tangential subjects. Don’t. You’ll distract from the points you’re trying to get across. Stick adamantly to the key ideas and cut everything else. (You may need to revisit your outline.)

We find these tactics helpful. Please let us know if you do too. We’d love to hear from you.