Make your communication more effective but paying attention to more than vocabulary and grammar.
By filtering out distractions and barriers to effective communication, some writing techniques ensure that your message is received as sent. Plain language process also produces content that is easily accessed. One way this can be assured is framing your message.
In-text message framing uses word or phrase "frames" that situate your message in a context as an aid to comprehension. Framing creates a structure or framework to hang your message on. A good frame is the underpinning that helps your message get built and stay built. Words or strings of words that are used to define, repeat or reinforce your message are called in-text framing.
The frame defines the art
Good, clear writing is an art that can be mastered by most. Plain language helps make that art more accessible to us all. But like all good art, even plain language needs a showcase. The effectiveness of your message can be greatly influenced by the frame you choose.
Types of frames
There are many ways to frame your message. Text design and visual layout are always an important framework as is the organization of your writing with an introductory overview, body and summary conclusion. In-text message framing is incorporated in the language itself.
In plain language process, you write to your specific audience, to their unique needs. And you as the sender must take responsibility for ensuring your intended message is communicated. In-text framing helps with both of these. It is a technique that is often used in speaking and is common to many languages. It can be found in all good persuasive writing.
The most common types of in-text framing are advance organisers, reminders, summaries, and metaphors.
Advance organisers
Advance organisers are the words and phrases that are designed to alert you to what is coming. They help to focus your readers' attention on what you as the writer consider important. And, for people who "skim" read or don't read carefully, they are road signs that tell them where to pay more attention. They are words and phrases like;
- "The three reasons are. first..., second... and lastly..."
- "The most important thing to do is..."
Reminders
Reminders are words and phrases that reinforce your message by repeating it. They are words and phrases like...
- "Remember,...."
- "As we mentioned previously"
- "Consider the example above"
Repetition means retention and reminders used judiciously can increase retention of content dramatically. Reminders are particularly useful in technical, scientific or otherwise conceptually difficult material.
Summaries
Summaries tell your readers what you told them. They give you another chance to get your major points across. They should use different words but incorporate the same meaning. They are signalled by words and phrases like,
- " In summary..."
- "To conclude..."
- "What you have just read..."
- "What I had hoped to accomplish is..."
- "The important points to remember are..."
Some readers look for these word clues to provide the key content of the material being processed.
Metaphors
Comprehension and application of new material is enhanced when we can relate it to prior knowledge or otherwise put it into a personal context. Using appropriate metaphors in your text can relate new or difficult concepts to familiar ideas or simplify complex models.
- "Like the grease on wheels, the procedural rules help us to apply the law of..."
- "The new software is like the old with these key differences"
If its great art who needs a frame?
Mona Lisa, Whistler's Mother, Sunflowers and other great works of art all hang framed. A good frame makes the great, greater. In writing, it helps your reader focus on what is important. It shows the reader that you are considering his needs by leaving a trail for him to follow. It makes reading easier because the reader doesn't have to work as hard to get where you are leading him. It makes sense and it is easy.
Good writers try to incorporate these in-text framing techniques. Consider using one in your next memo and watch the results. Use all of the techniques in your next formal report and see how it effects the impact. Plain language helps us process information more efficiently and can be a time-saver for busy people. In-text message framing is a plain language technique that can benefit you. today. In-text framing isn't just for storytellers and artists. Put it in your paint set so you can create masterpieces.
What more could you ask for? A gallery of your own?
