Present instructions in second person command mode for clear, actionable guidance.

Outline (skeleton for flow)

• Hook: In technical writing, the way you speak matters as much as what you say. Second-person command mode directly invites action.

• Why this mode works: immediate clarity, less guesswork, and a natural fit for step-by-step tasks.

• Quick examples: comparing a command-style line with a more distant alternative; how to keep steps crisp and actionable.

• How to craft effective command-style instructions: bite-sized steps, present tense, consistent verbs, and a friendly but precise tone.

• Pitfalls to dodge and fixes: vague verbs, ambiguous pronouns, overly long steps, missing warnings.

• Beyond manuals: how command-style guidance helps in apps, chat help, and embedded prompts.

• A practical checklist you can reuse.

• Final note: embrace the direct, conversational voice, and it will guide readers like a trusted helper.

The direct route to clear directions: why second-person command mode clicks

Let me explain something simple: people follow steps better when the voice is talking right to them. In technical communication, using the second-person command mode—you do this, then that—feels like a friendly coach guiding you through a task. It’s not about being bossy. It’s about making every action unambiguous, so there’s no second-guessing about what to press, where to click, or which menu to open.

If you’ve ever read a guide that starts with “one would” or “the device should be,” you know the lag it creates. The moment language steps into second-person imperative, the reader hears the next move. Turn on the device. Press the power button. Open the menu. Those aren’t fancy sentences; they’re clear invitations to act. In environments where people rely on instructions—assemble a product, configure a setting, troubleshoot a feature—this directness isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential.

A few quick examples to feel the contrast

Here are two tiny lines that show the difference.

• Command style: Turn on the device. Press the power button. Wait five seconds.

• More distant style: The device can be powered on by engaging the power control. After a brief delay, the device should be ready.

The first line is effortless to follow. The second line asks the reader to interpret, which slows things down and invites questions. In fast-moving tasks or devices with small screens, you want the reader to move now, not to interpret.

How to craft solid command-style instructions

Now, let’s get practical. If you want your steps to land with confidence, try these moves.

• Start with an action verb, immediately. Each step should read like a tiny command: Press, Tap, Enter, Select, Confirm.

• Keep steps short. One action per line is a good rule of thumb. Readers skim, and short lines drive action.

• Use present tense. It feels immediate and universal: “Tap the icon,” not “Tapping the icon.”

• Make the subject implicit. The reader is the actor. You don’t need to repeat “you” in every line—though you can if it helps clarity.

• Be specific but concise. If a button is labeled “Start,” use that exact label in the step: “Tap Start.”

• Order matters. The sequence should flow naturally from setup to result. If there’s a decision point, present it clearly and keep branches small.

• Include results, not just actions. A short note at the end of a sequence about what should happen helps confirm success: “The device vibrates, and the screen lights up.”

• Use bullets or numbered lists. For instruction sets, numbers signal a sequence; bullets work for parallel steps.

• Build in warnings or notes when needed. If a step could cause a problem, precede it with a brief caution: “If the device is warm, pause and wait.”

A couple of tiny touches that lift the tone

• Keep a human, helpful undertone. You can slip in a friendly nudge: “If you’re not sure, this is a good moment to pause and check the screen.” It keeps the guide from feeling robotic.

• Use consistent terminology. If you call a control a “button” in one step, don’t switch to “control” in the next. Consistency prevents misreads.

• Favor plain language. Technical terms are great when they’re familiar, but when you can say it in plain terms, do so. It keeps the guide accessible to a broader audience.

Common traps and clean fixes

Even the best writers trip over a few recurring snags. Here’s what to watch for and how to fix it quickly.

• Vague verbs. Replace “do this” with a concrete action: “Press,” “Touch,” “Slide.” If a step must be performed with precision, name it: “Press and hold” or “Swipe left.”

• Ambiguous pronouns. If a line uses “it” or “this,” make sure the antecedent is crystal clear. For example, instead of “Then select it,” say “Then select Settings.”

• Overstuffed steps. If a line carries multiple actions, split it into two steps. People read in chunks; a tidy pace helps them finish without backtracking.

• Missing outcomes. Readers want to know when they’ve succeeded. Add a short confirmation: “The LED turns blue” or “You should hear a click.”

• Ignoring safety. If a step could pose a risk, flag it early: “Do not operate while enclosure is open.” Short, calm cautions keep the tone steady.

Where this voice travels beyond paper

This command style isn’t limited to manuals. It fits well in app help, online chat prompts, and even voice-enabled guides. When an app asks you to “Tap Next” or “Allow access,” you’re already stepping into this mode—just polished for digital interfaces. In tutorials, embedded popups, or troubleshooting wizards, the imperative voice keeps users moving. The goal is the same: clarity that removes hesitation.

In the same breath, the approach invites a tiny, human misstep to keep things honest. Sometimes you’ll see a line that sounds a touch too directive. A quick rephrase can soften it without losing certainty: “You can start by tapping the icon” becomes “Tap the icon to start.” The reader still acts, but the tone feels more collaborative, which many readers appreciate.

A practical, reusable checklist

Here’s a compact guide you can keep beside your desk glass, your editor’s notes, or your favourite note app.

• Begin each step with a strong action verb.

• Keep sentences to a single action per line.

• Use present tense and the second-person perspective.

• Reference the exact label or control seen on the interface.

• Put the most crucial actions first.

• Add a brief result or confirmation after the step.

• Flag any safety or error conditions up front.

• Maintain consistency in terminology across the document.

• Break long sequences into bite-sized chunks.

• Test the sequence by reading it aloud or following it yourself.

Wrapping it all together

Instructions that speak directly to the reader tend to glide along with ease. The second-person command mode—simple, direct, and human—helps readers move from one action to the next without stumbling. It’s not about forcing a style so you can check a box; it’s about delivering guidance that feels like care. When the language invites action and then confirms it’s done, you’ve built trust. And trust is the quiet engine of good technical writing.

If you’re crafting a set of steps for any product, gadget, or service, try this mindset: picture the reader as a person you’re helping in a busy moment. Keep the steps crisp, friendly, and precise. Use the exact labels you’ve seen on the device. Let the voice be calm, confident, and a touch human. The result isn’t just a list of actions—it’s a reliable pathway from start to finish.

A final thought to carry forward

You don’t need heavy prose to guide someone well. A few well-chosen verbs, a clear sequence, and a reader-centered tone do the heavy lifting. So the next time you draft instructions, lean into that direct voice. It makes the path obvious, the goal reachable, and the experience a little less frustrating for anyone who picks up your guide.

If you’d like, I can tailor a short set of steps for a common device or system you’re writing about. Share the context, and I’ll shape a concise, reader-friendly example in the exact voice we discussed.