White Space: Giving Readers Mini-Vacations

Greetings again. I hope that all is going well for you.

My husband and I arrived back from vacation this evening. We had a very pleasant week. Highlights included visiting art museums, attending performances, and taking walks and a boat ride. We feel lucky to have such opportunities.

Having taken a vacation, I feel more rested and refreshed than before. I can concentrate better, think more clearly, and work more efficiently.

Probably all of us benefit from occasionally taking a few days’ break from our work. We return with clear minds, fresh ideas, and new enthusiasm.

Some time away from our work helps bring clarity and meaning to what we do.  Similarly, the white space in a piece of research writing helps its message stand out clearly.

For a paper or a proposal, providing white space that aids communication can include items such as

• making margins large enough (typically at least 2.5 centimeters or 1 inch)
• using an unjustified (“ragged”) right margin
• double-spacing text
• indenting beginnings of paragraphs, skipping space between paragraphs, or both
• including bulleted or numbered lists
• ensuring that any tables or figures are uncrowded

Often, instructions from journals or granting agencies say which such items to do.

Likewise, white space is important in a poster presentation. Having enough white space helps make important content noticeable.

In short, give readers or viewers little vacations. Then, rather than feeling tired and confused, they can feel fresh and appreciate what you say.

Wishing you a good week— Barbara