Here’s an example of some instructions that could do with a rewrite:

The writer has softened the message and made it sound as though these directions are merely suggestions that the reader can ignore. In reality, these are actually important instructions about their safety and how to use the product.

Let’s try it again with more direct language:

The result is a clear and authoritative set of instructions. They are still polite, but also reassuringly direct and firm.

If you’ve got any tips for writing instructions, we’d love to hear them. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.