Instructions Need a Dénouement, Too

Instructions Need a Dénouement, Too

Debra Kahn (@dkconsultco)

If your job is to create instructions for a product user, plot it out, and don’t skip the dénouement!

Unfamiliar with the term “dénouement?” In literature, the term refers to the ultimate outcome or explanation of a plotline. Literally, in Middle French (its origin), it means to “untie” or “unravel.”

What does all this have to do with writing instructions? If your instructions are taking a user on a journey through a set of tasks (think Campbell’s hero’s journey here), then I urge you to “unravel” the expected outcome of their journey for them – and help them to know they are on the right path along the way. Here’s how.

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Your Website Content: Audit Tips

Your Website Content: Audit Tips

Debra Kahn (@dkconsultco)

If your web content is your public face, especially if it’s your sales engine, you should be auditing it at least once a year. 

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Adapting Content for a New Audience – My Journey in 4 Steps

Adapting Content for a New Audience – My Journey in 4 Steps

Debra Kahn (@dkconsultco)

Recasting existing content for use by a different audience or in a different context empowers you as a writer – as a marketer – and/or as a consultant. And it is a great way to reuse evergreen content.

I discovered this myself when I rewrote four existing blog posts – aimed at fellow bloggers – as a single blog post aimed at project managers.

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Creating Online Content for Your Customers: Accuracy

Creating Online Content for Your Customers: Accuracy

Debra Kahn (@dkconsultco)

The better part of valor might be discretion. (Western society certainly has been debating that since the 17th century.) But I am here to tell you that the better part of quality content is an accuracy check. That’s because inaccuracies in your content can derail your customers’ trust in you, your content, and – by association – your business.

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Creating Online Content for Your Customers: Clarity

Creating Online Content for Your Customers: Clarity

Debra Kahn (@dkconsultco)

In a previous blog post I wrote about need for relevance in your online content – matching your presentation to the customer’s need and the purpose of the content piece. I added that an approachable style can underscore your content’s relevance. But what steps can you take to achieve that style?

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