As explained in previous tips, we can combine the critics’ and the advocates’ perspectives on readability formulas by thinking of the role of a readability formula as a diagnostic tool. It’s like an X-ray that helps you assess your “patient”—your information.

Then, just as with effective patient care, it’s important to take a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment by considering the results of the readability formula as just one piece of information, not the only consideration. As one expert puts it, “The variables used in the readability formulas show us the skeleton of a text. It is up to us to flesh out that skeleton with tone, content, organization, coherence, and design.”

Don’t rely solely on readability formulas

Consider the results of a readability formula as just one of many inputs into the writing process. Combine the results with everything else you know about your target audience and then further enhance readability by applying plain language writing techniques by asking yourself:

• Is the information organized logically from the target audience’s perspective?
• Does it provide only relevant information for the target audience (i.e., information the target audience needs to know, information is focused on the target audience not the sponsoring organization or writer)?
• Is the information concrete from the target audience’s perspective?
• Is the tone and language appropriate for the target audience?
• Is it engaging and in the active voice as much as possible?
• Is it concise with short sentences, short words, and no unnecessary words?
• Is it direct, including redundant phrases and repetition only if they add clarity?
• Does it use idioms, abbreviations, and acronyms selectively based on appropriateness for target audience?
• Is structure consistent throughout the headings and body text?
• Is all the information accurate?
• Overall, is the writing appropriate for the medium (i.e., hard copy versus Web)?
• Does the layout follow clear design techniques?

Read up with these resources

• For Written Information, Are Readability Formulas a Quick Fix?
• The gap between patient reading comprehension and the readability of patient education materials, PubMed.gov
• Readability assessment of internet-based consumer health information, PubMed.gov
• Limitations of Readability Formulas, George R.Klare, ByronBuck
• The Principles of Readability, William H. DuBay
• Know your readers, Plain Language at Work newsletter

Use readability formulas as just one tool in your readability-enhancing bag of tricks.

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