Writing is one of the most underestimated skills in eLearning design. It’s often treated as an afterthought, something you do once the structure is set and the visuals are built. But the truth is, great writing is great design.
It’s how we connect with learners, simplify complexity, and bring clarity to content that might otherwise feel heavy or overwhelming.
At B Online Learning, we believe writing isn’t just about words on a screen, it’s about designing a conversation between the learner and the content. Done well, it turns information into understanding and structure into flow.
Here’s how to write eLearning that feels purposeful, human, and built for engagement.
1. Start with Purpose
The first step in writing for eLearning isn’t typing, it’s thinking. Before you start, ask:
- Why does this learning exist?
- What should the learner do differently after completing it?
- What tone or mindset do we want them to leave with?
These questions set the direction for your content. When you write with purpose, every sentence has a reason to exist.
Too often, writers start by copying content from a policy, PowerPoint, or SME notes and end up with a course that reads like a compliance manual. That’s the content dump trap.
The goal is to move from dumping to designing, focusing on what helps people learn, not everything that exists.
Related: From Content Dump to Curated Journey: Designing eLearning That Flows
2. Write for Your Audience
Good writing begins with empathy. Step into your learner’s shoes and ask:
- What do they already know?
- What do they find confusing about this topic?
- What’s in it for them?
Avoid writing from the trainer’s or organisation’s perspective. Learners don’t want to be spoken at, they want to be guided through.
For example:
“This module will provide information on the organisation’s data handling procedures.”
vs.
“You’ll learn how to protect personal data in your everyday work.”
The second version speaks directly to the learner’s reality, it’s shorter, clearer, and more relatable.
3. Keep It Conversational
eLearning should feel like a one-to-one conversation, not a lecture.
That means:
- Use short sentences and everyday language.
- Prefer active voice (“Check the label before you use it”) over passive (“The label should be checked”).
- Add small touches of warmth or personality, enough to sound human, not robotic.
The goal isn’t to impress with vocabulary, it’s to connect with clarity. If it sounds like something you’d say to a colleague in a workshop or Zoom call, it probably works.
“Here’s what to do if this happens…” feels approachable. “The following procedures must be adhered to…” feels distant.
4. Structure with Flow
Writing for eLearning is really about designing reading flow. Learners don’t read on screen like they do in print — they scan, jump, and skim. Your structure should support that.
Think of each screen as one clear step in the journey:
Concept → Example → Reflection → Reinforcement.
That simple rhythm helps learners understand, apply, and retain information naturally.
Break up your text with:
- Short paragraphs (2–3 lines each)
- Descriptive subheadings
- Lists or bullet points
- “Try it” questions that prompt reflection
If it feels overwhelming to look at, it probably is. Simplify visually before you simplify verbally.
Related: Break Down Complex Content into Engaging eLearning Experiences
5. Show, Don’t Tell
Words are powerful but sometimes, less is more. If something can be shown in an image, diagram, or short animation, do that instead of explaining it in text.
Example:
Instead of writing “There are five steps in the emergency process,” show the five steps as a simple visual pathway or interactive timeline.
Tools like Articulate Rise make this effortless pairing succinct text with clean, modern visuals that guide attention without clutter.
Visuals don’t just support writing, they extend it. They help translate abstract ideas into concrete understanding.
6. Make Your Tone Part of the Learning Experience
Tone is the emotional layer of your writing and it has more impact than most people realise. A supportive, positive tone makes learners feel safe to make mistakes, try again, and continue exploring.
- Simple language choices can change the entire experience:
- Swap “must” for “should” or “remember to” when appropriate.
- Replace “Incorrect” with feedback that teaches “Not quite. Remember, this step keeps everyone safe.”
Tone is also how you express your brand. At B Online Learning, we use a warm, approachable tone, confident but never corporate. You can do the same: define your brand voice and use it consistently across every course.
7. Collaborate with Your SMEs on Clarity
Even the best writing starts with messy input. SMEs often send long documents or transcripts filled with technical jargon, lists, and policy statements.
Your job isn’t to copy, it’s to translate. When working with SMEs:
- Ask them for examples, not just explanations.
- Reframe heavy sentences into conversational tone.
- Summarise key ideas visually before writing.
And always clarify intent: “If learners could only remember one thing about this process, what should it be?”
When SMEs see their ideas brought to life in clear, engaging language, they start to appreciate the design value of great writing.
Related: Tips to Work Effectively with Subject Matter Experts
8. Use Feedback as a Teaching Tool
Writing feedback for quizzes, interactions, or knowledge checks is one of the most powerful parts of learning design.
Avoid generic phrases like “Correct” or “Incorrect.” They end the conversation instead of continuing it.
Good feedback teaches: “That’s right, reporting it straight away helps prevent bigger safety issues” or “Not quite. Try thinking about which action reduces risk the fastest.”
Keep feedback concise, positive, and actionable. It’s not about marking right or wrong, it’s about building confidence.
9. Cut Without Losing Meaning
Editing is where your writing really becomes design. Read your content aloud if it feels long-winded or unnatural, it probably is. Remove repetition, jargon, and filler phrases like “in order to,” “utilise,” or “at this point in time.”
Your aim should be to write as much as needed, and no more.
Try this quick self-check:
- Does every paragraph have a clear learning purpose?
- Could this be shown visually instead of written?
- Would this sentence make sense if read on its own?
Polished writing is invisible, learners focus on meaning, not wording.
10. Test with Real Learners
Before finalising, test your copy with a few people who represent your target audience. Ask them:
- Was the language clear and conversational?
- Did you understand what to do without rereading?
- Did anything feel too formal or complicated?
You’ll often discover small tweaks that make a big difference, a simpler word, a clearer instruction, or a more natural tone.
Learner testing keeps you honest and helps you see your content through fresh eyes.
Final Thought
Writing for eLearning is more than crafting sentences, it’s designing experiences that feel intuitive, supportive, and human.
When you write with structure, empathy, and purpose, learners don’t just read, they engage, reflect, and apply.
Great eLearning writing isn’t about being clever with words. It’s about being clear with intent.
If you want to build stronger writing, structuring, and storytelling skills, join our eLearning Design Essentials Workshop – a hands-on program that shows you how to turn information into learning that truly connects.
