The power of headings in business writing
Three types of headings
Good layout improves readability. A dense, difficult-to-read piece can be simply and easily improved by white space. You can gain white space by using headings, short paragraphs and bulleted lists.
Placing headings through your work has the added bonus of communicating your messages at a glance. This is particularly important if you’re writing for people who skim-read.
Do questions work as headings?
Questions are powerful if your question is specific and you ask a question which readers would like an answer to.
Do you close the bathroom door even when you’re the only one home? (Psychology Today)
Should you use headings in business writing?
On the other hand, poorly worded questions which are general and vague do not inspire people to read on.
What do you do if you have a problem?
Statement headings are useful in business writing
Statement headings work well for straightforward content because they let the reader know what the following information will be about. Well-written statement headings are specific and form a complete thought.
Curfew imposed after unrest
Use headings in business writing
Topic headings
Topic headings, sometimes called label headings, are less informative than statement headings and are usually single words or short phrases. They are often used in templates for mandatory sections or to break up sections in formal documents.
Scope
Headings
Set your hierarchy of headings first
Most documents will have three or four levels of headings (H1, H2, H3 and possibly H4). Your templates may define these headings for you, but if not, set your own hierarchy of headings in Word using Styles.
Read your headings separately
Once you have finished writing, read your headings separately and see if they are telling your key messages. If they are, then your headings are doing a good job.
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