The user may begin a procedure described in a help balloon and then become confused when the information disappears. You can, however, describe a very simple two-step procedure in a balloon. This is probably most appropriate for a tool in a palette. Using Active Constructions Try to use short, active phrases in help balloons. Avoid passive constructions.
Passive constructions show subjects being acted upon rather than performing an action.
Research suggests that instructional materials are more effective when they present the goal clause before the action clause, helping readers quickly recognize how the information meets their needs. If there is more than one way for the user to achieve a goal, mention only the method that involves the item to which the user is pointing. In other words, if the user is pointing to a button, the balloon should tell the user how to use the button, not how to use a keyboard shortcut for that button. If there is more than one method for using the item to which the user is pointing, describe the method that's simplest to explain and understand. Using Parallel Structure Use similar syntax for help balloons that describe similar objects.