Tip: ‘they’ll be informed’ is not a clear writing goal

‘What is the goal of your piece of writing?’ I ask workshop people. 

Many of them answer, ‘So that [people] are informed about [situation].’

But we don’t inform people simply so they know. We inform them so they DO something new or differently.
 

For example:

We tell people about the new health and safety policy NOT so they’re informed, but so they’ll look out for new hazards and help make our workplace safer.

We tell the team about the meeting agenda NOT so they’re informed, but so they’ll come to the meeting prepared and focused.

We tell the board about the project update NOT so they’re informed, but so they can track where our plan’s progress fits with our overall strategy.
 

Do you want a useful guiding light for yourself as you write?

Clarifying your goal is the easiest way to get that light.

A clear, action-oriented goal allows you to decide

• who your main audience is

• what messages you need to emphasise

• how much detail you need