TO WRITE WELL, YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW PEOPLE READ.
Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page - it’s about understanding how those words will be read, interpreted, and acted upon.
As a freelance writer, my knowledge of how people read goes far beyond simply “knowing the audience".
It’s about respecting the inherent psychology of reading, the natural rhythms of how the human brain processes information, and using that understanding to craft messages that resonate.
The nuances of understanding how people read is a cornerstone of effective writing.
Because it’s not just about what you say. It's also about how it’s received.
Reading: A Cognitive Journey
When someone picks up a piece of writing, their brain doesn’t simply absorb words in a straight line. Reading is a complex cognitive process involving:
Skimming and Scanning: Most readers don’t read every word; they scan for key points, headlines, and standout phrases before deciding whether to dive deeper.
Pattern Recognition: Our brains are wired to look for familiar patterns. Sentences that flow naturally and logically are easier to follow, while jarring structures or overly complex phrasing can disrupt comprehension.
Mental Imagery: Readers subconsciously visualise what they’re reading. Vivid descriptions, clear ideas, and relatable language help bring your message to life in their minds.
Why Understanding How People Read Is Vital
1. It’s About Respect, Not Assumption
“Knowing your audience” is a good starting point, but it often relies on assumptions about demographics, interests, or preferences. Understanding how people inherently read goes deeper.
It respects and works with the natural limitations and capabilities of the human mind.
For example:
Short attention spans: In a world of constant distractions, people won’t spend time deciphering overly complex or verbose writing.
Ease of navigation: Readers appreciate clear headings, bullet points, and concise paragraphs that guide them through the content effortlessly.
By respecting how readers naturally process text, I can create writing that’s intuitive, engaging, and accessible.
2. It Enhances Readability
Readable writing isn’t just simpler. It’s smarter. It prioritises clarity and flow, ensuring that the reader’s experience is seamless. This doesn’t mean dumbing down; it means crafting sentences that feel natural and logical.
Example:
Overcomplicated: “The subsequent actions required to complete the desired objective may be executed via a variety of pathways, contingent upon available resources.”
Reader-friendly: “You can complete your goal in several ways, depending on your resources.”
3. It Guides Emotional Engagement
Good writing isn’t just about informing. It’s about connecting emotionally. Understanding how readers interpret tone, pacing, and rhythm allows me to guide their emotions subtly, whether it’s building excitement, inspiring action, or fostering trust.
Example:
To inspire urgency: Use short, punchy sentences with active language.
To build trust: Use calm, authoritative phrasing, backed by credible evidence.
4. It Increases Retention
People are more likely to remember content that’s structured in a way that aligns with their cognitive patterns. Repetition of key points, logical sequencing, and strong endings help readers retain what they’ve read.
The Psychology of Reading: Key Insights for Writers
1. The F-Pattern
Studies show that most people read online content in an “F” shape: they scan across the top, then down the left-hand side, occasionally dipping into the middle of the text.
What This Means:
Place your most important information at the top.
Use subheadings, bold text, and bullet points to guide the eye.
Keep paragraphs short to make the content easy to skim.
2. The Power of White Space
White space—the empty space between paragraphs, lines, and margins—is a reader’s best friend. It prevents visual overwhelm and gives the brain a chance to process information.
What This Means:
Avoid dense blocks of text.
Use line breaks generously to create breathing room.
3. The Primacy and Recency Effects
Psychologists have found that people are more likely to remember the first and last things they read.
What This Means:
Start strong with an attention-grabbing opening.
End with a memorable conclusion or call to action.
4. Cognitive Load Theory
The human brain can only process a limited amount of information at once. Overloading your reader with jargon or unnecessary details can cause them to disengage.
What This Means:
Simplify complex ideas without losing depth.
Break information into manageable chunks.
How This Informs My Writing Process
As a freelance writer, I use these insights to craft content that respects the reader’s time, engages their attention, and delivers value. Here’s how:
Clear Structure: I organise content with intuitive headings, bullet points, and logical sequencing to make navigation effortless.
Concise Messaging: Every word serves a purpose. I trim (unnecessary) fluff to keep the message focused and impactful.
Visual Appeal: I prioritise white space, clean formatting and visual elements to enhance readability.
Emotional Connection: I use tone, pacing, and storytelling to guide the reader’s feelings and engagement.
Action-Oriented Writing: Whether it’s a blog, ad, or website copy, I ensure there’s a clear takeaway or call to action that aligns with the reader’s needs.
Writing That Works for the Way People Read
Understanding how people read isn’t just a useful skill - it’s the foundation of effective writing.
It’s about respecting cognitive patterns, guiding attention, and delivering value in a way that feels natural and engaging.
When you write with the arithmetic of reading in mind, your words aren’t just read. They’re remembered, acted upon and shared.
Ready to create writing that connects? Let’s work together to craft content that respects how your audience reads and ensures your message hits home. Visit LouRoo.com today.
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Tel: 078 0316 4657
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