Using PAFEO Planning by John Keenan

Using PAFEO Planning

In this article, the writer John Keenan states that the major weakness in writing is clarity; when is it time to give detail and build up a thought, or just plain out state it?

I find myself always asking this question whenever I'm revising my writing.

Unclear writing comes from unclear thinking (makes sense...). Keenan believes that the work done in the prewriting process and in the revising process is what makes the difference between clear writing and confusing writing.

Here's the general overview of the process Keenan believes a writer should take to ensure clear writing.

Think PAFEO

P-urpose- "why am I writing this?" Writing must aim to accomplish something:

• Seek a particular response from the reader.
• Make it as precise as possible (to ensure clarity)
• For longer letters/reports, this is the THESIS, the central idea.
• Make it a complete sentence to set up the direction of the report. (ex. Disappointing sales make be attributed to insufficient advertising, poor selection of merchandise, and inadequate staffing during peak shopping hours). -Subject= Dissappointing sales.

A-udience- Communicate with the reader. Who is my audience?

• Consider how much background position, attitude toward subject, and experience with subject.
• Think about out what the reader needs to know, and how to deliver.
• Consider my credibility with the reader. Will he/she accept my judgements straight up?
• Will the reader agree or disagree with my position? Think of what TONE would fit best. Make the effort to look at the subject the way the reader may look at it.

Better writing depends on better reading.

F-ormat -How will the paper be displayed?

• Use external signals: headings, underlining, numerals, WHITE SPACE, to draw attention to important ideas.
• Format for quick identification of main points. This will keep things clear for the reader.

E-vidence- How will I back up my claims?

• Collect evidence before writing will make writing easier.
• Evidence= facts and information obtained by: observation, fieldwork, and research.

Use the evidence to form a probable conclusion.

Rules of Evidence:

1. Look at the evidence and follow it. Don't bais your search for evidence to fit your design.
2. Look for the simplest explaination that accounts for all the evidence.
3. Look at all likely alternatives.
4. Beware of absolute statements. Avoid using: all, never, or always.

Use deductive reasoning. Keep ideas true and logical.

O-rganization- How will I lay things out so it flows?

• Use note cards with a fact (opinion, observation...) on each and arrange them in piles which evidence supports one idea.
• Move the piles around in a sequence: Chronological, Spatial, Logical, Classification and Division according to idea, Cause and Effect, Problem-Analysis-Solution, Order of Importance.
• Go through each pile and arrange facts in a clear sequence. Which fact should go first to paint a clear picture?