Q&A for How to Write Clear Instructions

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How do you write instructions well?

Maureen Taylor
Corporate Communications Advisor
Maureen Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SNP Communications, a leadership communications company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has been helping leaders, founders, and innovators in all sectors hone their messaging and delivery for almost 30 years, and has worked with leaders and teams at Google, Facebook, Airbnb, SAP, Salesforce, and Spotify.

Maureen Taylor

Corporate Communications Advisor

Expert Answer

Include what is supposed to be done as well as why it's supposed to be done, since some people like to have their instructions connected with a sense of purpose. It also helps to collaborate while drafting instructions, as other people can help generate helpful ideas for what you're writing.

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Question

Why are instructions important?

Community Answer

Instructions are important because they teach us how to do things we may not know how to do or how to do them better.

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Question

Should instructions include examples and pictures?

Community Answer

Instructions should include examples and pictures because people learn in different ways. Some learners can be reading and writing based, some are visual, and some need examples to completely understand the instructions and process. If you didn't include these, some people would understand, and some people may struggle.

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Why is learning how to communicate in written form important?

Community Answer

People learn in a variety of manners, some do best by consulting a text, and the written form provides a reference for later review.

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Question

Should I have an introduction when presenting in front of my class? And how should I end my presentation?

Community Answer

Yes you need an introduction to let the class know what you will be presenting. I would end with, "Thank you for listening to my presentation, are there any questions?"

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Question

How should I structure my instructions?

Community Answer

Writing your instructions as a list rather than a paragraph can make it easier for your readers to comprehend, so I would recommend using a list structure.

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How do I make a Word document and save it on a laptop?

Community Answer

Open Word, it should open with a new document. Type out what you want on the document. Go to File, Save As. Select where you want to save it on your computer (a certain folder, etc.). Type a name for the document in the File name box, and then click Save.

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Question

How can I write simple instructions for school kids who are going to camp?

Community Answer

It depends on what you are instructing them to do. You say they are "going to camp"; so are the instructions to prepare them for the camp trip? If so, your introduction could provide information such as: pick-up point, time of departure, time of return, dates of the camping trip, etc. The actual Instructions could be a step-by-step guide on "what to expect" during the trip, such as, what to bring for the trip; travel accommodations; rules regarding behavior, etc.

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Is it possible to let the employer know that I do better with written instructions?

Peachy12319

Community Answer

Of course! Letting people know what you need is important. Remember to back it up with evidence like “I do better with written instructions because I have trouble remembering things”.

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