Writing Tip : Does appearance really matter?

Does appearance really matter?

Summary

The way we present our writing is as important as what we say.

 
It's not just what you say, it's also how you present your writing that will determine how effective your message is. A professional appearance gives your writing credibility.
 
You might have written the best memo or report of your career, but if it contains spelling errors, punctuation mistakes and a poor layout, it's just not going to be as effective as it otherwise might.
 

After you're satisfied that the content of your document is top notch, run through the following checklist to ensure that its appearance is just as good. Check that you've used:

• correct spelling and grammar;
• correct punctuation;
• a readable font;
• readable line spacing and paragraph spacing; and
• neatly formatted tables and figures.

The first thing that people will notice about your writing is the way it looks. After all, they have no choice; they have to look at it, even briefly, before they can start reading it. You'll know from your own life, that it's a lot easier to start out with a good impression than to have to try to recover from a poor one.
 
First impressions count, so make a good one.