diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index f7d73d88c..618508455 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@
  * Device B, Android Z.Y
  * Virtual device W, Android Y.Y.Z
 - [ ] My contribution is fully baked and ready to be merged as is
-- [ ] If there are open issues that my contribution fixes, I am referring to them using the [`Fixes #1234` syntax](https://help.github.com/articles/closing-issues-via-commit-messages/) in my **Git commit message**
-- [ ] I have made the choice whether I want the [BitHub reward](https://github.com/WhisperSystems/Signal-Android/wiki/BitHub-Rewards) or not by omitting or adding the word `FREEBIE` in my **Git commit message**
+- [ ] I ensure that all the open issues my contribution fixes are mentioned in the commit message of my first commit using the `Fixes #1234` [syntax](https://help.github.com/articles/closing-issues-via-commit-messages/)
+- [ ] I have made the choice whether I want the [BitHub reward](https://github.com/WhisperSystems/Signal-Android/wiki/BitHub-Rewards) or not by omitting or adding the word `FREEBIE` in the commit message of my first commit
 
 ----------