Don’t Say “Please”

Suppose you’re writing some instructions, or even a single instruction. One word you don’t want to use is “please”!

“Please” implies your reader has a choice. When you’re giving instructions you’re telling your reader to do something, you’re not making a request. It’s not a favor you’re asking, in effect, you’re giving a command. For example:

To operate a car,

1. Turn on the ignition.
2. Step on the gas.
3. Aim the car down the road.
4. Please don’t hit anybody.

Simplistic, yes, but only that last one is a request. When you should leave out a word, the word is fluff if you leave it in, so get rid of it.

For practice, look at these. Which ones are correct, and which aren’t?

In case of fire, please break glass.
Click “Submit” to be removed from our mailing list.
Stick ’em up!
Move aside!
Please move aside!
Donate!
Measure the length to the nearest half inch.
To join the list, type your email address and press Enter.

Let’s look at that last one. Yes, it’s a request, but is there any other way to get on the list? No. So the “please” is inappropriate. Rule of thumb: if you can leave off the “Please,” do so.