Communication Language tips

Try to be mindful of your words in written communications. Here are some tricks to leaving a good impression with written words online.

Avoid "do" and "don't"

When writing imperative sentences, try not to start your sentences with "don't." Consider the word "avoid" instead.

:warning: "Don't use semicolons."
This imperative command can make the reader feel like they have no choice on the matter. It implies that the decision lies solely on you, which implies that you don't want to listen to their feedback.

✅ "Avoid using semicolons."
Wording it this way lets you offer a suggestion, empowering the reader to be part of the decision.

Conversely, try to use the word "consider" when writing your suggestions. It has the same effect of communicating a suggestion in a way that invites participation from your reader.

:warning: "Use a rounder button radius here."
Just like with "don't," an imperative command like this may alienate your readers.

✅ "Consider using a rounder button radius here."
The word "consider" offers a suggestion, just like "avoid."

About "I feel"

When writing about your opinions, be mindful about using the word "I feel." It communicates that you're unsure about your opinions, so only use it when that is indeed the case. As an alternative, "I think" and "I believe" communicates more conviction. These two examples make sense:

✅ "I feel it looks better in blue instead. What do you think?"

✅ "I think it looks better in blue instead. It draws attention better than gray."

While these two seem awkward:

:warning: "I feel it looks better in blue instead. It draws attention better than gray."

:warning: "I believe it looks better in blue instead. What do you think?"

Avoid the word "please"

When writing text, avoid using the word "please." Without any vocal intonation, it can either sound polite or condescending. This leaves the possibility that your reader may hear it differently, depending on where they mentally place the emphases:

:warning: "Can you please check this out?"

:warning: "Can you please check this out?"

You can omit the "please" and still sound polite.

✅ "Can you check this out?"

Avoid using red lines

When marking up images, avoid using red lines, even if they describe errors. Instead, consider a more neutral color like blue or orange. Red marks can trigger a visceral reaction to the viewer, which can make them reluctant towards your suggestions.

This image below can feel like someone is pointing out a mistake.

By avoiding red, the annotations feel more like they're simply trying to attact focus.