Second person

Last Updated : Jul 17, 2012 |

Use the second person almost exclusively. Use the pronoun you to address your readers directly and use the active voice.

Preferred

Discouraged

If Pass 2 is successful, you must change the switch settings.

If Pass 2 is successful, the user must change the switch settings.

The configure program stops unless you select the Remove option.

The configure program stops unless the user selects the Remove option.

You must not edit or alter this file.

A customer must not edit or alter this file.

Exception for internal communications

Avoid the use of you and your, unless you have a specific reason to speak personally.

Preferred

Discouraged

The new Talent Acquisition website can help supervisors and managers make hiring decisions that are in the best interest of Avaya.

The new Talent Acquisition website can help you make hiring decisions that are in the best interest of Avaya.

Employee performance reviews must be complete by March 30.

Your performance review must be complete by March 30.