How we talk
House style
House style is a set of rules on how to 'style' your communications. This includes
how to write certain words and phrases, how to show numbers and dates, and when
to use capital letters. The purpose of having a house style is that everyone uses
the same format, promoting consistency across Macmillan's communications.
These are not categorically 'right' and other spellings, phrases or use of language
'wrong'. The aim is to have an agreed set of rules for everyone to work to. When
lots of different people are writing on behalf of Macmillan, we need to demonstrate
one voice. What we say is part of who we are - and as a leading charity, people
are listening to what we say. Mistakes and inconsistencies have an impact on our
credibility.
Our writing style
We use simple sentence construction, direct language and easily understood terms.
A reader should be able to understand what we mean by reading the sentence once.
In order to make our copy as readable as possible, we should present it in digestible
chunks. Introductions, subheadings, bullet points and panels can be used to help
the reader get into the copy and find their way around the communication.
Our communications should always explain the difference we make to people affected
by cancer, not just list what we do.