Why Use Readability Formulas?

Ever felt like you were reading something written in another language even though it was English? You’re not alone. Readability formulas are the unsung heroes behind making sure you’re not lost in translation. Here’s why.

Despite their much-criticized shortcomings, many organizations consider readability formulas an important tool to evaluate text readability.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 21% of adults in the U.S. read below a 5th-grade level, and only 48% have proficient literacy skills. This underscores the importance of tailoring your content to a wide range of reading abilities.

1. Picture this—your readers are on a journey, and your words are their roadmap. But not every reader is equipped for a complicated trek. Some readers might struggle with complex language. Most Americans have limited reading ability, which means their reading grade-level balances between average and poor. It makes sense to prepare text in plain English if your readers have limited reading skills. This is where readability formulas swoop in to save the day—they can help craft text that fits just right, like a tailored suit. It’s all about understanding and connecting with your readers.

Research by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) suggests that companies with effective communication practices have 47% higher returns to shareholders. Using readability formulas can help improve communication within an organization.

2. If the text is not readable, the purpose of writing it in the first place gets defeated. For instance, let’s assume you’ve written an instruction manual for your employees. If your employees cannot read this manual, they will never understand the true meaning of its contents; this will adversely impact their productivity. Using readability formulas can prevent such a scenario and tell you beforehand if your text is of any value to your employees.

A study by the University of California found that the average office worker spends 2.5 hours per day reading emails, memos, and other documents. Ensuring readability can significantly decrease the time spent on deciphering complex texts, enhancing productivity.

3. Readability formulas help you to prepare a readable text. In other words, these formulas can save you time and money that you might have wasted in writing a complicated document, which is not useful for the target audience.

A study by the College Board’s National Commission on Writing estimates that blue-chip businesses spend as much as $3.1 billion on remedial writing training annually. Effective use of readability formulas could reduce this expenditure by ensuring clearer initial communication.

4. Just imagine how frustrated your target audience feels trying to read an ill-prepared document. Studies show that enforcing difficult text can have adverse effects on the overall mood and psychology of your customers. They may feel confused by a clumsily prepared text and opt for another provider.

5. Preparing text costs money. If you produce an unreadable text, you are increasing your organization’s operating costs. By using readability formulas, you are almost 80% sure that your readers find your text useful; thereby, keeping your costs down.

A report by Renaissance Learning showed that students who read age-appropriate, engaging texts achieved 2.4 times more growth in reading skills than their peers who did not. Readability formulas can aid in matching reading materials with student abilities.

6. We live in an age of convenience. Your favorite word-processor, whether it’s MS-Word or another, likely has readability tools built right in. It’s like having a skilled craftsman standing by, ready to advise. And if it’s there, just a click away, why not use it?

7. Consider the global audience: With the rise of the internet, your words aren’t confined to your immediate environment. They could reach the ends of the Earth. And what’s music to your ears might be noise to someone else. Readability formulas enable you to harmonize your message for various audiences.

English is a second language for around 375 million people. Crafting your business documents with the help of readability formulas ensures you reach non-native speakers more effectively, opening new markets and opportunities.

8. Regulatory compliance: Legal and health documents often must meet specific readability standards. Falling short could cost you not just the trust of your readers but could land you in legal trouble. Readability formulas act as the guardrails on the highway of compliance.

9. Marketing impact: A brilliant marketing message lost in translation is like a lamp hidden under a bushel. Readability formulas light the path to crafting messages that shine bright. They help convert prospects into clients, readers into fans.

Good: An advertisement that speaks in the language of the consumer.
Bad: A product description filled with industry jargon that confuses potential customers.

10. Improve educational materials: Teachers and educational content developers need to strike the right chord with students. Readability formulas are the tuning forks, ensuring the content sings at the right pitch for each grade level.

A study by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) found that students’ reading levels can significantly affect their academic success. Readability formulas allow educators to align materials with students’ abilities, contributing to better educational outcomes.

11. User manuals and instructions: Think of assembling a piece of furniture with instructions that feel like a cryptic puzzle. Readability formulas help turn those riddles into clear steps.

Good: A user manual with clear, concise instructions.
Bad: Assembly guidelines filled with technical terms and unclear steps.

12. It’s about empathy: Putting yourself in the reader’s shoes, feeling their pulse, understanding their pace. That’s what readability formulas allow you to do.

13. They’re continuously evolving: Readability formulas aren’t set in stone; they adapt, change, and grow just like language itself. AI technologies are advancing existing algorithms to understand the nuances better and help craft text that’s a living, breathing entity.

14. Accessibility to all: Readability is not just about education or marketing; it’s about inclusivity. Readability formulas allow you to reach people with reading disabilities, providing content that’s accessible to all.

Good: Adapting texts to be readable for individuals with dyslexia or other reading challenges.
Bad: Ignoring the diverse needs of readers and losing the opportunity to connect.

Readability formulas aren’t just tools; they are guides, advisers, even psychologists of the written word. They help you engage with your readers, turning the words on a page into connections and understanding. Isn’t it time to embrace them and make every word count?