Let's Get Brainwashed.

Many times people write about how to make decisions, but it's a block of sentences and hard for people to scan and find their current situation.

Something that could help is an If/Then table. Similar to the Who/Does What table, it reduces the number of repeated words and calls out the differences so readers can quickly see their options.

Do you always need a table? Here are some tips:

If it's a single condition and single response, write a sentence.

If Baby is put in a corner, then leap across the room and rescue her.

If it's one condition, but 2 options, use a yes/no response.

Did the bully put Baby in the corner?

If yes, leap across the room and rescue her.
If no, continue dancing on stage.

When there are multiple conditions and multiple responses, use a table. Here’s an example:


BEFORE

If James Bond wants to change his identity, then create a new passport for him, or happy with his identity, no action is needed.But if James Bond isn’t happy with the ticket price, upgrade him to first class and write off the price increase to Miscellaneous Fees.

If he wants a nice car, deliver a Ferrari as soon as possible by boat. Do not deliver by helicopter, even if he requests it.

After


Then ...

If James Bond…
Wants to change his identity	Create a new passport for him.
Is happy with his identity	No action is needed.
Is not content with the plane ticket price	Upgrade his ticket to first class. Write off the additional expense to Miscellaneous Fees.
Prefers an expensive car	Order a Ferrari to be delivered by boat. Note: Do not deliver by helicopter, despite any demands