GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Chapter 7WritingOverviewIntroduction In today's world of time constraints and information overload, readers don't havetime to look through obscure writing, searching for meaning. If you write well,readers will read what you write, quickly understand it, remember who wrote it.As soon as you move one step from the bottom, your effectivenessdepends on your ability to reach others through the spoken orwritten word.--Peter F. DruckerdsPurposeObjectivesThis chapter describes a few simple ways to improve writing effectiveness. Applyits teaching points and writing takes on a clear, concise, and strong quality. Toimprove even more and exceed the modest standards described here, study theworks listed at the end of this section.After completing this section you should be able to--x Prepare writing that meets Army standards.x Package writing so it's easy to read.x Use editing tools to ensure correctness.This chapter contains the following sections:SectionSee PageThe Need for Complete, Concise, Title and Clear Writing 7-2Standards and Rules 7-3Active Voice 7-5Eliminating Wordiness 7-8Smothered Verbs 7-11Short Sentences 7-12Packaging 7-13Readability Formulas 7-15Editing 7-16Chapter Summary 7-18Note: To get the most from this chapter, review Appendices A, B, and C.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 7-1