How To Make Complex Topics More Readable

Writing about complex topics can be hard. But even when the subject matter is exceptionally abstract or complicated (hello, blockchain and cryptocurrency), the goal should be to make your writing as accessible and engaging as possible. 

After all, why write it if the reader deems it too difficult (or boring) and bails?

We’re offering six tips to help simplify complicated topics and improve readability for business-level readers:

1. Know Who You’re Writing For

   Even in the broad category of “business,” what might be too basic for some will be too much for others, so it’s important to understand your audience. For example, C-level executives want high-level, fast insights, while other audiences can tolerate a slightly deeper dive. Keep your main audience persona top of mind.

2. Use Structure

   Even non-fiction—whitepapers, trade articles, blog posts—needs a beginning, middle, and end. The headline and opening should be enticing enough to draw the reader in, while the end drives home the main point. The middle is where you break the more complex parts into manageable chunks, with subheads every few paragraphs to relieve copy fatigue.

   One popular structure is the inverted pyramid. This is where you begin with the most important information (“the big thought”), then gradually move into supporting detail. This ensures that busy readers will get the gist even if they only scan the first few paragraphs. 

3. Keep It Simple

   Oftentimes, writers attempt to prove their expertise and knowledge by using jargon, too many acronyms, and technical terms. Avoid this temptation and opt for plain language when you can. While you want to respect readers’ intellect, you don’t want to send them scurrying to the dictionary, or worse, clicking away to something else. In fact, the more complex the topic, the simpler your writing should be. Use short paragraphs, concise sentences, and bulleted or numbered lists when possible.

   A fun (and useful) exercise is to run your content through the Flesch Kincaid readability test.

4. Stick To The Point

   Think of the writer as a gardener who should be constantly “weeding” their copy—removing unnecessary lines or ideas that, while as valid and brilliant as they are, stray too far off the main point. Although he was talking about fiction, this is what horror author Stephen King meant when he advised, “Kill your darlings.” When writing about already complex topics, it’s important not to further muddy the waters with surplus information or detail.

5. Rely On Props

   Visual aids, anecdotes, similes/metaphors, real-world examples, and statistics can make even the most complex subjects more relatable, digestible, and engaging. Use these devices throughout.

6. Wash, Rinse, Repeat

   Work doesn’t stop with the first draft. Editing or even rewriting enhances clarity, coherence, and overall quality, ensuring your content resonates with your audience. Try to look at your work with fresh eyes and ask whether someone without your knowledge or context would get what you’re attempting to communicate.

Turning Complexity Into Clarity

Writing gets better with practice, and mastering these and other techniques not only makes you a more effective writer but also helps to position you as a clear thinker, communicator, and expert.

Need help producing clearer, more compelling writing? We have a strong reputation for creating informative content of all types. Leveraging your subject matter expertise, our professional writers can help you to develop resources designed to engage and inform. Contact us today.