Make the Context Clear to your Reader

Confessions of an ambiguous writer! A misunderstanding caused by using a vague all-purpose word instead of choosing a clear one.

Here is a little cautionary tale – every word of it true.

I try to practise what I preach, and to make my written messages as clear as possible – but I am, alas, subject to lapses and am a mere mortal. I make mistakes – like this one. I sent a message via LinkedIn to Stephen, a very talented marketing consultant, about his current video editing project. The message was flippant, but I know him well enough to be sure he would not object. After his reply, I wrote this:

I am interested that you do this. I will be doing a video interview before long – what are your three top tips for avoiding catatonic boredom?

He took the trouble to reply with three thoughtful tips about doing (as in filming and editing) a video interview whereas I meant doing (as in being filmed and interviewed) a video interview. I was embarrassed to have written in such an ambiguous way.

The lesson I need to learn is this:

Think about what your readers know about and are involved with. Read your message with their eyes, and make sure it will be as clear to them as it is to you.
Of course Stephen was going to be thinking about the editing side of the process – it’s what he is concerned with right now.  Pay attention to all-purpose words like 'doing', 'having' and 'being' because they are likely to allow alternative interpretations of what you have written.

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