1.     First consider the level of your readers.  You should aim your writing to those among your readers who have the lowest level of knowledge and experience.

2.     If the instructions are complex, introduce them with a brief overview of the whole process.

3.     Include a list of the tools, parts, other materials, and any preparation that your reader will need.  It makes sense to put this information before the actual instructions begin.  Also consider including any needed background information before the instructions begin.

4.     Break down the instructions into small steps, with only 1-3 actions per step.  Tell your reader how to do the steps, too, when that’s important.  (The “why’s” may only confuse some readers.)

5.     Write the steps in the command mode, in which the verb is an understood “you.”  This document, for example, uses the command mode.

6.     Don’t write instructions like a telegram.  Include a, an, and the.

7.     Cautions, Warnings, and Dangers are important parts of a set of instructions.  Be sure they are included as part of the steps they relate to and that they are clearly marked in a consistent format.

Caution:  Undesirable results are possible, but no damage or

                   injuries

Warning:  Damage and mild injuries are possible

Danger:    Serious injuries and deaths are possible

If you decide to put all your Cautions, Warnings, etc., in a separate section (at the beginning, for example), keep in mind that some readers may skip this section and jump right into doing the steps.

8.     Notes are just additional information that you wish to include

within the set of instructions.  Don’t make them appear as important as your Cautions, Warnings, etc.

9.     Formatting devices, such as white space and boldface, can be of

     great help to your reader in following a set of instructions.  Visuals 

(drawings, photos, etc.) may be essential.  But be sure to place them where they can be effective—most likely alongside the specific steps they illustrate.