Content
- Is the information accurate and up-to-date?
- Does it focus on the key, most necessary information? (And avoid extraneous information?)
- Have any important points been left out?
- Are concrete examples given to illustrate general ideas?
- Does the content take the audience's culture and circumstances into account?
- Does the material call on the reader to take some specific, appropriate action?
Organization
- Is there a clear core message, supported by a few (3-4) main points?
- Is the information presented in easy-to-understand "chunks" or sections?
- Are the main points presented in a logical order that will make sense to the audience?
- Are headers used to direct the reader to the main points?
- Is there a summary of key points?
Source Credibility
- Does the material's author/producer have credibility with the target audience?
- Does the spokesperson or other source shown in the material have credibility with the target audience?
Language and Tone
- Is everyday language used?
- Are action words and the active voice used?
- Is the tone friendly and conversational, with the reader treated as a partner?
- Does the material use short words and short sentences, without sounding choppy?
- Are unfamiliar terms, abbreviations, and acronyms defined?
- If slang or figures of speech are used, does the target audience know their meaning?
- What reading level does readability testing show?
- Does the material avoid preaching, condescending, or blaming?
- Does the material avoid using fear tactics?
Cultural Competence
- Is the material written in the preferred language of the target audience?
- If translated, is the translation accurate and well-done?
- Are demeaning labels or stereotypes avoided?
- Is the material appropriate for the audience's age and gender?
- Does the material show respect for the target audience's values, customs, beliefs, and prior knowledge?
- Are the people depicted representative of the target audience?
Design
- Do design elements (like headers, bullets, and boxes) help draw attention to the main points? Does the material have an accessible, open look with plenty of white space?
- Is the font (typeface) clear and clean, and large enough (12 points or larger)?
- Do visuals support the text and are they placed close to the text they relate to?
- Do visuals show the correct way to do something?
- Are confusing graphs, charts, and statistics avoided?
- Is there good contrast between paper and ink?
- Is the material visually attractive?
Overall Impression
- What are the strengths of the material?
- What are the weaknesses of the material?
Source: Assessing Pre-Existing Communication Materials at www.readabilityformulas.com