In ancient Greece the Socratic dialogue reigned supreme. In the middle ages, we had the illuminated manuscript. Later, in the age of the printing press, we had the journalist’s inverted pyramid.
Today, in the information age, thanks to Jakob Neilsen’s usability guidance, the dominant form is the top ten list. It is a commonsense, workmanlike structure. It’s a handyman rather than a poet. But who cares? It’s easy to read and easy to write.
So, without further ado, here is my top ten tips for writing top ten lists:
- Give context. First explain what the list is for.
- Use short headlines. Then expand on them.
- Something new. Try to find something new to say. But…
- Build on the familiar. Reinforce the list with recognisable truths for extra credibility.
- A little surprise in the middle, to keep up people’s interest.
- Always use a round number of items. Eight, ten or twelve works well.
- A long-ish list. Numbered lists don’t work for four or fewer items. A list consisting of one item is a bit silly.
- Use humour. But be subtle.
- Always leave them wanting more.
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Just perfect.
Brightened my day immensely (and sets me on the way to my first list !).
fantastic.
Just had an additional thought. If you’re writing lists for programmers and other techies the list should start with item 0, not item 1. Unless they use one of the languages that doesn’t work like this. I don’t even like to think about the kind of list a Forth programmer would use.
Loved the list. Though I thought it was a bit ironic that you said even numbered lists (8, 10, 12) work best, but this one is 9? Intentional?
Ironic how theres only 9 points, for a a top 10 list lol
but great none the less
Its good