The Biggest Tip to Get People to Actually Read Your Emails 

Did you know that in email, paragraphs longer than two lines lead to 30% of the audience merely scanning the text rather than reading it thoroughly?

And, when a paragraph reaches four lines, 70% of the audience won’t even attempt to read it. They skip that paragraph looking for the important stuff. You do it, right? 

Here's a research-backed tip for creating readable emails and documents: 

Keep paragraphs to 2 lines or fewer. 

The Research

This insight comes from research by psychologists Flesch and Kincaid, initially tasked by the US Navy in the 1940s with creating easy-to-read manuals for sailors. A 1950 air force survival manual, for example, is remarkably readable—ideal when critical information is needed for survival. 

After their military contributions, Flesch and Kincaid’s work influenced educational standards in the U.S., leading to the well-known Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level tests. For professional and web-based writing, research shows that readers start skimming when text exceeds a sixth-grade reading level. 

How to Apply it in Practical Solutions

Writing for a sixth-grade reading level doesn’t mean dumbing down ideas; it’s about structuring complex thoughts so readers can scan and absorb them effectively. Short sentences and concise paragraphs improve readability. Paragraph length effects the perception of reading difficulty more than any other variable.   

That's why we recommend aiming for paragraphs no longer than two lines. Short paragraphs increase the likelihood that people will actually read what you write. 

What's Next?

This and other practical tips are covered in one of gravity's most popular workshops, the Science of Clear and Impactful Writing. Check it out here