Paragraphs

Be concise

Design text for easy scanning

Users often scan, rather than read, text, so design the information for scanning.
Place the most important points first and then add supplemental information if necessary.
If you have multiple pieces of information to convey, use bulleted lists for easier scanning.
Users read actionable text before explanatory text, so place actions first and then add explanations if necessary.
Assume that once users have decided what to do, they immediately stop reading and do it.
Use See Also links at the end of topics to refer users to additional, related information. This should be the primary means of providing links to other information.

Avoid large blocks of text

Keep only one topic per paragraph.
Avoid long, complex sentences. Write so readers only have to read the sentence once.
Keep your average sentence length less than 17 words.
Make smooth transitions, using words and phrases such as also, in addition, moreover, consequently, however, although, for example, next, first, finally, and in contrast.
In running text, generally avoid a string of one-sentence paragraphs.

Salesforce.com Style Guide for Documentation and User Interface Text