Writing Effectively at The World Health Organization

Document flow and coherence

Putting your information and/or ideas in a logical flow or sequence means that you achieve your purpose and convey your main message clearly. When a document flows logically, questions are raised in the readers’ minds and then answered. The paragraphs of the document work together to provide a strong basis for accepting the main message. The logical flow is your way of helping your readers understand and remember what you want them to know. That logical flow will also help you meet your reader’s needs by ensuring that your meaning and message are readily accessible.

Consider these questions as you analyse your document for flow and coherence.

© WHO 2011