Everything You Need to Know About Writing, You Can Learn From This One List

• Tell it to “Mom.”
• Slow down the pace of information.
• Introduce new characters or difficult concepts one at a time.
• Recognize the value of repetition.
• Don’t clutter leads.
• Use simple sentences.
• Remember: numbers can be numbing.
• Think graphics.
• Translate jargon.
• Use analogies.
• Look for the human side.
• Develop a chronology.
• Reward the reader.
• Announce difficult concepts.
• Cut unnecessary information.
• Compile lists.

A New Explanatory Journalism Can Be Built on a Strong Foundation