There is great variation in how writers use different elements and devices in their writing. Regardless of the genre or style of your writing, you can find guidelines on how to polish your work and make it shine.
Sometimes, you may decide to use italics for emphasis. For other times, you may want to experiment with different fonts or color to give your writing a different vibe. As you may guess, there is no absolute rule when it comes to writing. However, there are some general guidelines you need to follow to make your reader engage with your content.
Italics For Emphasis
When using italics for emphasis, you should do so sparingly and only in very crucial areas of your writing. Overusing italics can make your writing unreadable. Never use it unless absolutely necessary. Instead of using italics, you can emphasize important points in your writing by using bold and/or colored text. Depending on your intended audience, you can determine which of these elements is the best choice for presenting your ideas. For instance, if you are writing for an academic audience, you may want to avoid using bold text because it could be difficult for them to read your writing if it is not easy on the eye.
The Purpose Of Your Article
The most effective way to integrate and present diverse ideas and concepts in your writing is by using a variety of methods, including but not limited to:
- Paragraphs
- Subheadings
- Headings
- Bulleted lists
- Images
- Footnotes
- Thesaurus entries
- Interjections
- Dictionaries
- Acronyms
- Symbols
- Abbreviations
- Numbers
These elements and more can help you present your ideas in the clearest and most engaging manner possible. When you use one or more of these elements in your writing, you can bet your readers will notice and appreciate the effort.
Style
Along with varying the elements you use to present your ideas, you can also vary your writing style to match the vibe you want to project. There are many different writing styles and ways of expressing yourself. For example, journalistic writing tends to be plain and to the point while creative writing can be rich in metaphor and allusion. In addition to the above, there are informal and formal styles. While some prefer to write in an informal manner, others may opt for a more formal or academic writing style. Each of these styles can have its perks and quirks, so it is important to find the one that works best for you.
Clarity
One of the most important things you can do for your article is to make sure that it is as clear as possible. Like with any other aspect of your work, you can always improve your writing’s clarity by rereading it multiple times. If you are still unsure of what some of the words in your writing mean, you can consult the dictionary or ask a friend who is more experienced in your field. Clarity will always help your work stand out among the clutter of content on the web.
Articulacy
Last but not least, we have articulacy. When writing, you should always bear in mind that your reader is more than just a passive recipient of your words; they are an active participant in the conversation you are having with them. It is always better to over-explain things than to leave your audience guessing or wondering about key details. A few examples of poor articulation include:
- The repeated use of “quite” and “very” to modify the same adjective
- The use of very short sentences and paragraphs
- The overuse of “like” and “the same as” when comparing and contrasting two things
- The lack of transitions in your writing
- The lack of punctuation
In order to improve your articulation, you need to think about the different types of readers you have and the style of language they prefer. If you know that some of your readers will be less experienced in your field, you can decide to write in a simpler, more basic form. On the other hand, if you know that some of your readers are more academically inclined, you can write in a more formal way and avoid using colloquialisms. Remember, nobody is an expert in all areas, and this is especially true in the field of writing. By taking the time to learn to craft clear and concise messages, you can ensure that your readers understand and appreciate your content.
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into creating an effective piece of writing. In addition to the above guidelines, you should also try to vary your vocabulary, sentence structure, and the types of figures you use to improve your writing overall. In the end, nobody is an expert in every area, so the more you can do for yourself and hone your skills, the better!