~ by Evan Kehler – Print Consultant, Minnesota/Louisiana
As you’re starting to finalize your book, reviewing and proofing your pages, or you’re still in the process of writing stories, captions, headlines or yearbook sub-headlines, keep these tips in mind to enhance the quality and integrity of your work.
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of effective writing. Ask yourself: Who are you writing for? Who will read this particular piece of writing? Tailoring your story to your audience—whether they’re students, faculty, or the broader community—is vital. Good writing is specific and relevant, connecting with readers through shared experiences and interests. For instance, if you’re writing for students, use language and examples that resonate with their daily lives and challenges.
KEEP SENTENCES SIMPLE
While longer sentences can be useful, they often risk losing the reader’s attention if they become too complex. Aim for short, direct sentences to maintain clarity and engagement. Most paragraphs should be under 40 words to keep the reader’s interest. Simple sentences help convey your message more effectively and make your writing more accessible. For example, instead of saying, “Due to the fact that the weather was inclement, the event was postponed,” you could say, “The event was postponed because of bad weather.”
USE ACTIVE VOICE
Active voice is more direct and engaging than passive voice. In active voice, the subject performs the action (“The team won the championship”), whereas in passive voice, the subject receives the action (“The championship was won by the team”). Opt for active constructions whenever possible to make your writing more dynamic and clear. Active voice helps to create a stronger connection with the reader and makes your writing livelier and more compelling.
BE SPECIFIC
Avoid vague terms like “many,” “a few,” or “several.” Instead, provide concrete details. For example, say “The team had a 7-2 record” instead of “The team had a good season.” Specific details make your writing more vivid and credible. It’s understood that the yearbook reflects the current school year, so there’s no need to include phrases like “this year” or the school name unless absolutely necessary. Specificity helps to paint a clearer picture for the reader and enhances the overall quality of your writing.
READ YOUR WORK ALOUD
Reading your writing aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing, unclear sentences, or missing information. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure your story flows and makes sense. When you read aloud, you can hear the rhythm and flow of your sentences, making it easier to identify areas that need improvement. This practice also helps you to spot errors that you might miss when reading silently.
AVOID SLANG OR JARGON
Remember that not everyone shares the same background or interests. Whether it’s sports lingo or arts-specific terms, make sure your language is accessible to all readers, not just those familiar with niche topics. The goal of journalistic writing in a yearbook is to provide substance, purpose, and—most importantly—an accurate reflection of the experiences that defined the year. Avoiding slang and jargon ensures that your writing is inclusive and understandable to a wider audience.
Remember, in journalism, the focus is on presenting the facts clearly and concisely. By sticking to the essentials, you allow readers to quickly grasp the key points without being bogged down by excessive elaboration. This clarity and brevity are crucial for effective communication and help to maintain the reader’s interest throughout your piece.
Evan Kehler is Friesens’ Yearbook Print Consultant for Minnesota and Louisiana. It is his pleasure to help create an amazing yearbook by providing unmatched service and dependable support that can be counted on from start to finish. When he’s not helping customers with their books, he loves spending time with his wife and family, especially in the outdoors. You can often find him in the gym, as he’s passionate about health and fitness, or in a hockey rink cheering on his son at his games. How can he help you today? Feel free to get in touch!
