We’ve all seen them: poorly structured lists that leave readers confused, making it harder for them to grasp the key points. If you’ve browsed job postings or corporate documents, you’ve likely encountered lists that don’t quite make sense. You know the ones: they’re disjointed, hard to follow, and full of errors. Here’s a classic example:
What you will do:
- Business system analysis and design
- Participate in software development projects
- Vendor selection process, implementation, and integration
What’s wrong here? Let’s break it down.
1. Lack of Parallel Structure
In this example, the first word after each bullet point isn’t in the same grammatical form. The inconsistency makes the list harder to read and detracts from its clarity.
2. Bullets Don’t Flow from the Lead-In
The third bullet doesn’t logically connect to the phrase “What you will do.” The list should flow seamlessly from that statement.
How to Improve It:
The secret to a great list is consistency. To ensure your lists are clear and effective, they should maintain parallel structure and flow naturally from the introductory sentence. Here’s how we could revise the example:
What you will do:
- Analyze and design business systems
- Participate in software development projects
- Implement and integrate the vendor selection process
Notice how each bullet now starts with an action verb in the same form, creating a clear and easily digestible structure. This simple tweak makes a huge difference!
Punctuation in Lists: What You Need to Know
It’s not just about structure; punctuation plays a key role in making your list more professional and easier to read. Here’s the rule of thumb:
- No commas or semicolons: The bullet itself replaces the need for commas or semicolons.
- Use periods for full sentences: If each bullet point is a complete sentence, use a period at the end.
For example, in this list, we use complete sentences, so each bullet gets a period:
There were three reasons the project was not successful:
- Too many people weren’t committed to the change.
- The funding was not put into place soon enough.
- We couldn’t find a reliable third business partner.
A Few Quick Tips to Remember:
- Keep your list simple and straightforward.
- Be consistent in your sentence structure and punctuation.
- Ensure that the bullets flow logically from the lead-in statement.
By following these simple guidelines, your lists will be more professional, clearer, and easier for your readers to digest. Now, take a moment to look at your own writing. Are your lists as effective as they could be? If not, use these tips to elevate your communication!
