Recently, I've been reading how-to articles. It's a way of learning how to accomplish something I need to do-move across country, xeriscape a yard, maintain a swimming pool. The articles seem to be well researched and always have some tips about getting the job done, but most of them falls into a trap I see often in how-to articles-they don't really tell you how to get the task done. They just tell you the desired result.
In an article on looking for a writing job, the author cautions the job applicant against being the first to reveal a satisfactory salary. But what about those jobs on Monster and Craig's List that say, "replies without salary requirement will be discarded without further notification"? No mention on how to handle that.
Do you risk not mentioning your salary? Do you inflate your salary?
Often, I'll query the writer on specifics. Almost always, the answer is, "Use the Internet," or "Google the company's website." Salary information is rarely available on a company's website. And what exactly do you look up on the Internet? In the article I was reading, two links didn't work, one required registration, and another payment for information.
Writers have the responsibility to be clear. The least we can do is take our own advice and see what happens when we follow our own advice in a how-to article. Does it work? What exactly are the steps to follow?
A how-to article should never suggest asking friends in the same field for an answer. Most people have tried that without good results before they start reading how-to articles.
How-to articles are popular, but won't be for long if the "how" is missing. If you are running a training class or writing a how-to, give clear tips, include details that create the result in the advice you give, point to working websites, and use verbs that allow the reader to understand how to get the results you advise. Then you have a readable article.
About the Author: Quinn McDonald is a writer and nationally-known speaker who has achieved the "Professional" designation from the National Speakers Association. Contact Quinn through her website, QuinnCreative.com.
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