Here’s a quick writing tip to improve your content right away.

“Tell me like I’m 5” is a popular Reddit page for asking technical questions and getting accessible answers. But is it also great writing advice?

No. Unless you’re writing children’s books, your reader is not a five-year-old. They are not incapable of understanding your topic, so they do not need you to “dumb it down.” They are, on the other hand, not experts. They’re also busy and distracted.

They do not need you to be condescending. They DO need you to be clear and to-the-point.

Instead of “telling me like I’m 5,” picture a specific person that you know, or an imaginary person you make up, who is your ideal reader. Maybe it’s your dentist or real estate agent. Imagine how you would tell them your message if you ran into them at the park. 

Imagining you’re talking directly to the reader you are picturing can help your writing be:

• Conversational 
• Nonpartisan 
• Easy to understand 
• Short and to-the-point 
• Jargon-free without being condescending.

Tell me like I’m a smart, curious adult who just doesn’t happen to be an expert on your topic.

Find more of my favorite writing tips here.