Past Programs

"Concision and Clarity: Decreasing Word Count
and Increasing Readability"

by Susan Ledford

Program Description

When we reduce word count, we work smarter, and we save time and money (for ourselves, our employers, and our audiences). Fortunately, we also serve our audience more effectively and efficiently. We can have it all!

As technical communicators, we face many challenges: increasingly complex information, ever more diverse audiences, multiplicity of authoring and delivery systems; and escalating demand for efficiency and quality. Word-count reduction (application of the principles and strategies of concision and minimalism) is an efficient and effective tool that addresses all of these challenges.

In this program, we will explore, through example and discussion, various word-reduction and minimalist strategies that can be applied to any and all communications. Please, bring your thinking cap and prepare to participate! No hard-and-fast rules. Much judgment required.

About our Presenter

Susan Ledford is a reading and writing specialist, a technical editor, a teacher, a curriculum developer, and, last but not least, a senior member of STC. Susan has worked in education since 1967 and in high tech since 1997. Currently, she edits documentation and curriculum materials for Oracle Hyperion and teaches writing workshops as opportunity arises — such as for Oracle University, Jabil Circuit, San Jose University, and STC. Susan completed her M.A. in learning theory and her education specialist credentials at College of Holy Names, her Professional and Technical Communication Certificate at San Jose State University, and her basic teaching credentials at University of California at Berkeley.