1. Keep the through line

The through line (or throughline, or through-line) is exactly as it sounds: a consistent line of thought running through one or more writings. Whatever core thing you want to communicate should be accessible in your research, data, and message.

In a single writing, the thesis (the statement you’re making or point you’re proving) is the through line. Consider this thesis: health provider wellness programs improve patient outcomes. Your writing should keep that thesis central from introduction through research, goals, recommendations, and conclusion.

Anything that looks away from your thesis may be counterproductive. For example, other interventions that could improve patient outcomes may be important but may not reinforce the point you’re making right now.

In multiple writings on the same subject, your information and orientation may differ but your thesis should serve as the through line for your readers.

2. Write like you talk

Edits can always clean up informal writing, but formal writing can hide the message from both the writer and the reader. In your first draft, worry less about grammar and more about what you want to say and who you’re telling.

3. Use common words

Jargon refers to any specialized language used by a group of people. Nearly every industry is swimming in jargon. Common words, on the other hand, expand your reach to people outside your industry or very new to it. Better yet, common words set the reader at ease. It’s not always possible or practical to use common words, but it may be more helpful than you think.

In our example about health provider wellness programs (to improve patient outcomes), medical and statistical jargon may be useful to convince people with medical backgrounds. However, many other people or groups may need the information before the thesis can make real change. These non-medical people can partner to make a difference:

• Health system leadership,
• Insurance companies,
• State Medicaid agencies and health departments, and
• Office staff that don’t directly provide health care.

The success of such a wellness program depends on buy-in across many groups. They each need to understand how the program will make their lives easier or better by improving the bottom line, enhancing office operations, decreasing patient costs, or other outcomes.

4. Kill your darlings

Kill your darlings is a term used often in fiction writing to remind authors to care more about the story than any one character. A story can lose its through line and audience when a single character is protected no matter what. But darlings may also be words, phrases, or story elements the author uses repeatedly even at risk of clarity or message. This goes for the clever metaphor you love; maybe kill it dead on the page.

5. Read aloud

It can feel so good to hit the word count, finish a conclusion, or type the end. Proofreading and editing are more relevant to real life than language arts classes might have lead you to believe.

An easy way to proofread your writing is to record yourself reading the work aloud. When you read aloud, you aren’t just thinking the words, you are saying them and hearing them. Awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and language mix-ups often become apparent, plus you can more easily notice when the writing steers toward jargon, complication, and distraction.

Always Write to Communicate

Writing can leave an impression for all kinds of reasons, and some reasons don’t benefit your message. Stay focused on writing to communicate. The result will be less intimidating to write and easier to read. Happy writing!