Guide the way with subheading signposts

It’s not always true that your readers will want to read everything you’ve written – particularly if it’s a 300 page document. Even if you’ve done all you can to break it up and make it as readable as possible, the demands of time we all face may mean they can only skim it.

Subheads can signal to your reader what linked paragraphs are about and help them to navigate through more easily to the most relevant parts. They also help you to check back over your own ‘route’: did you pick the best way?

Transition words (so, however, on the other hand, nevertheless, moreover, furthermore etc) also signpost meaning to your reader, helping them to understand your points and stay with you through your changes of direction as you motor towards your conclusion.

Be careful though: endless ‘moreovers’ and ‘furthermores’ can be tedious and won’t stitch a loose collection of random thoughts into a compelling argument, no matter how many you use. Far better to plan first and work out a logical structure even before you touch your keyboard.

And check out this video to find out more about how to create effective subheadings that guide your reader and keep them reading.

The definitive guide to transforming the writing of individuals and teams

GET YOUR FREE PDF COPY NOW

Author: Catie Holdridge

---

Catie joined Emphasis with an English literature and creative writing degree and a keen interest in what makes language work. Having researched, written, commissioned and edited dozens of articles for the Emphasis blog, she now knows more about the intricacies of effective professional writing than she ever thought possible.

She produced and co-wrote our online training programme, The Complete Business Writer, and these days oversees all the Emphasis marketing efforts. And she keeps office repartee at a suitably literary level.