Word, Phrase, & Paragraph

This sounds like a restatement of the three levels of prompt, which is true. It grew out of working with Subject Mater Experts (SMEs) who were developing content for informational web sites. The administrators of these projects were managers who came from marketing and sales backgrounds.

Experts communicate in cryptic phrases that one needs a solid background to understand. As an example I once had a seven page instruction manual for a war game explained in the following words:

Move then combat, rigid ZOCs that interdict supply—50% combat strength, units negate ZOC, combat optional.

To a gamer, the above is completely clear. This represents the concept of the Word. Good friends tend to communicate in these short, cryptic spurts of information that outsiders do not understand.

The Phrase is a little more involved. An example of Phrase level communication would be a programmer learning a new language using the language reference manual or a repairman using the exploded parts diagram as a remove and replace guide. The Word will not do, but they don’t need a full explanation either.

The Paragraph represents a full explanation. While an experienced programmer can learn a new language with a language reference manual, a novice would need a text book and probably classroom instruction.

These are important when designing training or web pages. On the first level allow the user to find quick references and short explanations [Word and Phrase] with links to full explanations [Paragraph].