Good use of lists can make instructions or other sets of details much more readable and easier to grasp. Let’s look at an example.
Without a List:
To ensure your garments are properly cleaned, conduct the following steps, in order. First, take the soiled garments from the basket and place them into the washer. Add the correct amount of detergent to the washer. Close the lid and then set the timer. Remove clothes when wash cycle is complete.
With a List:
To ensure your garments are properly cleaned, conduct the following steps, in order.
- Place garments into washer.
- Add detergent.
- Set timer.
- Close lid.
- Remove clothes when wash cycle is complete.
Are both sets of directions clear? Yes. But the second set is much easier to read and can be comprehended more quickly and easily. That’s important in this type of business writing.
Here’s another example, this time with a bulleted (instead of a numbered) list.
Without a List:
The shortfall we have recently experienced is likely to be short-lived. To save money, there are areas of spending that can be cut. Training new employees later will be costly. Downsizing may be perceived as weakness by our competitors.
With a List:
There are several reasons why it would be a bad idea for our company to lay off employees at this time. These include:
- The shortfall we have recently experienced is likely to be short-lived.
- To save money, there are areas of spending that can be cut.
- Training new employees later will be costly.
- Downsizing may be perceived as weakness by our competitors.
Again, both ways work, but a list like this just makes it easier to quickly grasp key points. This is because every point is separated into a different line, and the reader can choose to focus on any one line very quickly, as opposed to having to read through the whole paragraph.
So, make good use of bulleted and numbered lists. They are a good tool to make your writing easier to be comprehended quickly.