What is NOT a characteristic of good documentation?

Good documentation serves essential purposes in various fields, including law enforcement, healthcare, and business, and involves several key characteristics that enhance its effectiveness. Among these characteristics, ambiguity and vagueness are detrimental to good documentation.

Choosing to be vague and ambiguous undermines the clarity and reliability of the documentation. Good documentation is meant to convey precise information clearly, so that anyone reading it can understand the facts without misinterpretation. Clear and straightforward communication ensures that the intended message is accurately received, which is critical in situations where decisions are made based on documented information.

In contrast, sticking to the facts, using concrete language, and being brief and to the point all contribute to effective documentation. Sticking to the facts minimizes personal opinions and biases, while concrete language avoids confusion by providing specific details. Additionally, being brief and to the point respects the time of readers while still conveying necessary information concisely. These characteristics collectively promote precision and understanding, which are essential in any professional documentation.