When developing online learning, the best content in the world can be let down by a writing tone that is off-the-mark. Whether it’s flippant or formal, your tone needs to connect with your learners. Asking a few simple questions before you write, will help you get your tone right.
Your content, your message and your audience determine the tone of your writing. It may be objective or subjective, logical or emotional, intimate or distant, serious or humorous. It can consist mostly of long, intricate sentences, of short, simple ones, or of something in between.
Prepare your written content with your learners in mind.
Tell them what they want to know rather than just what you want to tell them.
Unless your audience would benefit from a specific tone, we recommend using plain language. Plain language is the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea.
Plain language uses:
A plain language approach keeps your tone friendly and warm, without being overly familiar. You want your writing to be fresh and engaging so stay away from stuffy or archaic language, euphemisms, clichés or trendy/slang words/phrases.
| Formal | There was a delay in the start of the project, attributable to circumstances beyond the control of all relevant parties. |
|---|---|
| Informal | The project start was delayed due to a whole lot of stuff we had no control over. |
| Objective | Some students found the course too challenging for their current skill level. |
| Subjective | I found the course pitched way above my skill level. |
| Logical | The app provides a way for those with endometriosis to connect with others for support. |
| Emotional | Those suffering the pain of endometriosis finally have an app to help them connect with others. |
| Personal / Warm | We’d like to welcome you to our Learning Development Conference. |
| Impersonal | The College of Learning Development welcomes participants to the 2021 CLD conference. |
| Scientific | After unemployment, symptoms of somatization, depression, and anxiety were significantly greater in the unemployed than employed. |
| Simple language | Unemployment seems to make people sicker, more depressed and more anxious. |
| Youthful | It’s wild to think that you can learn to become an amazing nurse or paramedic if you study only, but it’s absolutely possible. |
| Upbeat | Total Learning helps you develop the skills you need to step-up your career. |
| Serious | Total Learning provides a skills-based approach to your career development needs. |
Asking a few simple questions before you begin writing your course will keep you on track to engaging and effective online learning.
Get in touch with us to start your elearning journey today.
