Writing to the Lay Reader
Whereas high tech readers do not need acronyms or abbreviations
defined, and low tech readers need a parenthetical definition, lay
readers want to avoid the confusion completely. All they want is the
definition—no abbreviations or acronyms. In fact, they might also
need follow-up explanations. Why would a homeowner in a residential
area want to be told by local health authorities, “You are in danger
of DBPs”? What’s a DBP? These lay readers do not even want to be
told, “You are in danger of DBPs (disinfection by-products).” What’s a
disinfection by-product? Instead, the lay reader wants to be told that
their nearby streams contain high-acid, chlorine, and ammonia levels.