New Zealand
Lynda Harris
Lynda believes we can make the world a better place by using the power of words for good .
Lynda’s organization, Write, has strongly influenced corporate and government writing across New Zealand and beyond. Lynda has developed a number of research-based standards and models including the Write Plain Language Standard™, and the Rewrite for Change™ Model. In 2015, her international peers awarded her the prestigious Christine Mowat Plain Language Achievement Award.
Lynda is the New Zealand representative for Clarity and a member of the International Plain Language Federation’s Standards Committee. In her spare time, she loves reading and traveling and takes a keen interest in science-based, biological medicine.
Top Tips for Designing Everyday Documents
Presented by Lynda Harris, Chief Executive Write Limited, New Zealand
When it comes to effective document layout, little things can make a big difference! Emails, letters, reports, notices, PowerPoint shows, and almost any other document can look smarter and work better when you apply a few simple principles. In my short presentation I’ll introduce you to five fundamental principles of good layout that can transform your everyday documents from average to professional — and change the way your reader reacts to them. Four of these principles come from the inspirational Robin Williams, whose seminal work The non-designer’s design book has been our go-to reference for the past 15 or more years.
Join this presentation to understand:
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how poor design can reduce readability
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how to use contrast wisely
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why alignment matters
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how to help your reader relax with repetition
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how proximity creates unity
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how density impacts reader engagement.
Two useful resources
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A printable ‘cheat sheet’ included in the video
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A layout checklist available as a pdf on request