Ever wonder why some training materials just… click? And others leave you scratching your head? Often it comes down to readability. If your learners are struggling to understand what you’ve written, they’re definitely not absorbing the information.
Last week, Alise Isbell led a fantastic session for ATD Orange County, diving deep into how we can make our instructional design and training content crystal clear. Here’s a rundown of the game-changing tips she shared to ensure your message hits home every time.
First things first: how do you know if your content is easy to read? Alise introduced us to a handy tool: the Gunning Fog Index. This index can be a powerful way to measure how complex your writing is. A lower score means easier reading!
Want to try it yourself? You don't need fancy software. Alise showed us how to calculate readability scores using Microsoft Word's built-in features (yes, it's hidden in there!). There are also plenty of AI tools that can do the heavy lifting for you.
During the session, participants even put their own writing to the test. One member, Adriana, found her content scored a 9.6. We noticed that our event description had a Gunning Fog Index of 13.8. Generally, aiming for a score below 10 is a great goal for training materials. Keep it simple, keep it clear!
What were some of the techniques Alise shared that could enhance readability?
Think about your favorite author or speaker. They probably don't use a ton of complicated words, right? Alise emphasized that simplifying language is crucial, especially when you have diverse learners.
Here are some quick wins she shared:
Ditch those extra words: Ever catch yourself using "that" or "which" when they're not really needed? Snip them out!
Break up those monster sentences: Long sentences can be a real workout for the brain. Try splitting them into shorter, more digestible chunks.
Embrace active voice: Instead of saying "The ball was hit by John" (passive), go with "John hit the ball" (active). It's clearer, more direct, and makes it obvious who's doing what.
Stick to basic verb tenses: While complex tenses have their place, simple past, present, and future often make your point more effectively in training.
Avoid confusing phrases: Steer clear of colloquialisms, idioms, euphemisms, phrasal verbs, and slang. While they might feel natural in casual conversation, they can stump someone from a different background or who is learning English as a second language. Plus, they're a nightmare for translation!
Consider cultural and linguistic backgrounds: As one participant, Dee, emphasized: understanding who your learners are is paramount. What makes sense in one culture might be completely confusing or even offensive in another.
Don’t leave intention to interpretation: Another participant, Dianne, brought up the common overuse of "just" in communication, pointing out its subtle, sometimes passive-aggressive nature. These seemingly small words can have a big impact!
By focusing on readability metrics, simplifying language, and being culturally sensitive, you can transform your training materials from good to truly great. Your learners will thank you for it!
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