diff --git a/.claude/skills/validate/SKILL.md b/.claude/skills/validate/SKILL.md
index 9d4added6e..7bac78bc89 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/validate/SKILL.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/validate/SKILL.md
@@ -88,7 +88,18 @@ Perform the following checks **only on files within the determined scope**:
    - This checks that highlighted lines match the intended content
    - Particularly important for Before/After comparison blocks
 
-7. **Deep Lesson Review** (when reviewing a specific lesson file)
+7. **Check Writing Style**
+
+   - Search for LLM-style patterns that should be avoided:
+     - `Let's` or `let's` at start of sentences
+     - `Remember when` or `Remember that` callbacks
+     - `Don't worry` reassurances
+     - `worth mentioning` or `important to note` padding
+     - Exclamation marks used for emphasis (not in code/output)
+   - Check for em-dash elaborations (space-hyphen-space followed by lowercase) that could be periods
+   - Flag any issues found for manual review
+
+8. **Deep Lesson Review** (when reviewing a specific lesson file)
 
    If the user asks to review a specific lesson, perform this comprehensive checklist:
 
@@ -143,6 +154,15 @@ Perform the following checks **only on files within the determined scope**:
    - [ ] Examples can be run as shown
    - [ ] Output examples match what code produces
 
+   g. **Writing Style** (see CLAUDE.md for full guidelines):
+
+   - [ ] No LLM-style interjections ("Let's", "Remember when...?", "Don't worry")
+   - [ ] No exclamation-based emphasis ("Much faster!", "So powerful!")
+   - [ ] Em-dash elaborations replaced with periods or semicolons
+   - [ ] List explanations use colons, not hyphens
+   - [ ] Single clear explanation per concept (not multiple phrasings)
+   - [ ] Professional, direct tone throughout
+
 ## Output Format
 
 Provide a structured report. For automated validation checks:
@@ -177,6 +197,12 @@ Found 2 orphaned markdown files:
 ✓ All admonitions properly formatted
 [or list of issues]
 
+## Writing Style
+✓ No LLM-style patterns found
+[or list of issues with file:line, e.g.:]
+- docs/example.md:42: "Let's see how..." -> rephrase
+- docs/example.md:87: em-dash elaboration -> use period
+
 ## Summary
 [Overall assessment and recommended actions]
 ```
@@ -204,6 +230,9 @@ For deep lesson reviews, add:
 ### Examples & Code
 [Assessment of code quality]
 
+### Writing Style
+[Assessment of tone and language patterns]
+
 ### Overall Assessment
 [Summary with severity-organized issues and recommendations]
 
diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 80c6fe4cc2..de23e0046d 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -90,6 +90,56 @@ prettier --write docs/**/*.md
 - **UPPERCASE processes**: Process names like `PROCESS_NAME`
 - **Shebang required**: `#!/usr/bin/env nextflow`
 - **Educational focus**: Keep examples simple and well-commented
+- **Dot notation for channels**: Use `.map{}`, `.view{}` instead of pipe operators
+
+### Writing Style
+
+Training materials should be clear, direct, and professional. Avoid patterns common in LLM-generated text:
+
+**Tone:**
+
+- Get to the point. Don't pad sentences with unnecessary elaboration
+- Avoid casual interjections like "Let's", "Now let's", "Remember when we...?"
+- Don't use exclamations for emphasis ("Much faster!", "So powerful!")
+- Avoid phrases like "worth mentioning", "it's important to note", "don't worry"
+- Use professional, neutral language rather than enthusiasm or reassurance
+
+**Sentence structure:**
+
+- Replace em-dash elaborations with periods or semicolons
+  - Instead of: "This downloads the plugin - which happens automatically"
+  - Write: "This downloads the plugin. It happens automatically."
+- Use colons for list item explanations, not hyphens
+  - Instead of: "**Option A** - does something useful"
+  - Write: "**Option A**: does something useful"
+- Keep explanations concise. One clear explanation is better than two different phrasings
+
+**Content organization:**
+
+- Don't explain the same concept two different ways. Pick one approach
+- Avoid redundant sections (e.g., listing plugins when linking to a registry)
+- Focus on practical, actionable information
+- When teaching a concept, show one clear path rather than multiple alternatives
+
+**Examples of what to avoid:**
+
+```markdown
+<!-- Avoid these patterns -->
+
+Let's see how this works!
+Remember when we created the config file earlier?
+This is really powerful - it means you can do X, Y, and Z!
+Don't worry - the tool handles this automatically.
+It's worth mentioning that...
+
+<!-- Better alternatives -->
+
+Here's how this works.
+The config file from section 2.1 defines...
+This enables X, Y, and Z.
+The tool handles this automatically.
+Note that... (or just state the fact directly)
+```
 
 ### Module Structure