How to Effectively Write Instructional Posts?

You’ve just discovered the fix to a bug on your computer. Now, you want to share your solution with the rest of the world. That will surely be appreciated by the many users who may have also encountered the same bug. However, be sure to write the instructions for your solution in a clear and concise manner to ensure that your readers are able to successfully implement your solution and that they don’t get frustrated in the process.

Describe the purpose for the instructions

Before you start writing the steps to performing your solution, give a brief description of what the instructions are for or what problems the instructions will solve.

Use action statements

When writing the steps, always start by stating the action that the reader must perform.

Do: Open the document in Microsoft Word.

Don’t: The document should be opened in Microsoft Word.

Indicate only one action for each statement

This will keep the reader from having to remember more than one action at a time, which can in turn lead to confusion:

Do: 

1:- Add the following line at the end of the file:
<line>
2:- Click Save.
3:- Restart your computer.

Don’t:

1. Add <line> at the end of the file, click Save then restart your computer.

Provide all the necessary steps

No matter how obvious the instruction may seem to you, do not assume the same for the reader. Try to provide information about all of the required steps. Refrain from assuming that the reader knows what you’re referring to.

Do:

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type /regedit.

The Registry Editor window opens.

Don’t:

1. Open the Registry Editor.

Describe what happens after each step

Aside from stating the steps that the reader must perform, also describe what happens after each step, especially for the more critical or complicated steps. For example, indicate whether a window will open or whether a new option will become available. This will allow the reader to verify that they’re performing the step correctly.

Do:

1:- On Internet Explorer, click Tools > Internet Options.

The Internet Options window opens.

2:- Click the Advanced tab.

Don’t:

1. On Internet Explorer, click Tools > Internet Options.
2. Click the Advanced tab.

Describe the overall result of performing the instructions

As a way to end the instructions and to give the reader information on what they can expect, describe the overall outcome of successfully completing the instructions.

Do:

1. On Windows Explorer, select the file you want to permanently delete.
2. Press Shift + Delete on your keyboard.

The file is now permanently deleted from your computer and is not moved to the Recycle Bin.

Don’t:

1. On Windows Explorer, select the file you want to permanently delete.
2. Press Shift + Delete on your keyboard.

Author Bio:- Reina Marie Gonzales is a professional technical writer who currently works full time as a freelance writer. Click freelance writing jobs online to find out more about freelance writing jobs.