Here are five of my agency’s most common arguments for not writing in plain language: I got an A on these kinds of papers in graduate school. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. Plain Language in Sweden, the Results After 30 Years. The intended readership of plain language summaries can include patients, patient advocates, caregivers, members of the media, busy. (2006). Plain language begins long before you put pen to paper — or keystroke to keyboard. In business, a message is only effective when it is understood. Here are some examples, both historical and current. Watch on. Think through the questions your users likely have and then organize the material in a logical order. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Target an 8th - 9th grade reading level. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. Writing Plain Language for Law (PLNL510) Plain Language in Health Literacy (PLNL520) Technical Writing and Editing (TCOM120) Copy Editing (EDIT210) Learning materials. So here is the 2002 edition: A. Use positive language. The National Library of Medicine provides bibliographies, sorted by year, citing many documents about health literacy. March 2011Revision 1, May 2011. This Plain Language Thesaurus has been put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Marketing. Stick to your topic. Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. These new website pages apply the task-focused approach and Plain Writing guidelines to encourage skimming, scanning, and selecting. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. Introduction. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. To celebrate, we’re putting together a collection of 30 of the people who have kept the campaign thriving. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. A Plain Language Summary (also referred to as a lay summary in some subject areas) communicates the significance of scholarly and scientific research evidence to wide audiences in clear, jargon-free language. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. Sometimes verb phrases would make good headings for procedural sections of rules. 1 This tool aims to support a systematic review of your material to ensure it follows plain language guidance and meets the needs Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Support for plain-writing is growing in the legal professions, which bring us some of our best and most varied examples of plain-writing. We hope you enjoy this post. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. But plain language, which is often used interchangeably for plain English or plain writing, is not just best practice or common sense, it is also the law. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. We must use plain language in any document that – is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes provides information about any federal government benefit or service, or explains to the public. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. Why Use Plain Language? Download Why Use Plain Language? [PDF - 12. Use plain language. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Learn what plain language is and how to write in plain language with best practices and examples. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. USA. Documents that must use plain language. He includes the following words in. Don’t use slashes. L. On June 1, 1998, President Clinton issued an executive memo. Clear words benefit individuals who live with cognitive and learning disabilities, language impairments, memory impairments, and autism. Tuesday, August 11, 2020 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET. Any paragraph that can be broken up into shorter paragraphs (or into other elements) makes your message more effective. Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper. “And/or” is a classic example. Although. [1] The Act applies to public service agencies and Crown agents. Keep it Short. It . 1, May 2011 i Introduction The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications from government. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. Use plainlanguage. 3. vivid. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. We continue toOLYMPIA, Wash. Plain language is typically based on an eighth-grade reading level, as this ensures clarity and simplicity in communication. Plain language avoids unnecessarily complicated or obtuse technical language in favor. What is plain language? Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily: – find what they need. We’ll train your managers as well. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. The Office of the Federal Register provides excellent guidance on Drafting Legal Documents. Additional plain language history is covered in Plain Language in the U. Too many complex words are like hurdles in a race, barriers to understanding which slows readers down. Plain language is a way of writing and presenting information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand by your intended audience. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. The Center for Plain Language, a non-profit organization, helps government agencies and businesses write clear and understandable communications. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. There will be two sessions each day. It helps Veterans and their families access and use VA services and benefits. Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. Andy Biggs of Arizona, a hardline. If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. In short, you should always aim for clarity, readability, and brevity. Put the most important information at the top and the background at the bottom. When users do not understand court forms, they either complete the forms incorrectly or call the court for more information. Describes why plain language is a promising strategy for clearly communicating health information and improving health literacy. Choose everyday words: the shorter the word, the more likely it will be familiar to the reader. This handbook and Chairman Levitt’s whole drive to encourage “plain English” in disclosure documents, are good news for me. Our first guest is Lynda Harris from New Zealand. Her parents think she knows some signs. Learn more about the government’s plain language standard and find a checklist to help you in your projects. History and timeline. Writing that is legible and well-organized is far easier to understand than more traditional styles. It is intended to make government communications. Official description. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. Plain Language Resources. 6. – use that information. Speech given to 600 high-level Mexican public servants at the launching plain language conference Lenguaje ciudadano on the 5th of October 2004. We commit to write content that is easy to read and understand. A great deal of research connected to the Center for Civic Design has well established the design/plain language relationship through effective voting ballots. (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. Links. Steps to success 1. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese,. Compare the following examples to get the idea of the plain language. Readers call less often for explanations. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Lists are useful because they: Highlight levels of importance. the proper approach to legal writing. They concluded that the organization did not have a true process or standard for. Step 1: Identify and describe the target. About 79% of users scan new pages they come across; only 16% read word-by-word. Before. Plain language writing and design ensures information is concise, inclusive and easy to understand. Writing in plain English and legal writing have the same goal: communicating complex ideas in a digestible and manageable form. ) Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. Verb phrases are the best headings for sections that relate to procedures. Following a successful presentation to STC Phoenix on Plain Language and Simplified Technical English, NAU Senior Lecturer Erika Konrad and alumna Karen Field Carroll joined TechWhirl for a Fast 5 discussion on what’s happening with these two global trends, and how they can impact tech comm and other content professionals. By using plain language, you increase the likelihood someone will understand your messaging. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. While there was a time when many business documents were written in the third person to give them the impression of objectivity, this formal style was often passive and wordy. agenda (unless you’re talking about a meeting) advancing; collaborate (use working with) combating (use working against or fighting) Plain language can be understood the first time it is read or heard. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. In 2021, the Civil Rights Division (CRT) provided Plain Language training both to the Civil Rights Division and to the Department at large. Complex topics can be clearly communicated with plain language without losing substance. Virtual Event, 13 October 2020. Schriver. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. This blog post is the first in a series of three—Plain Language Past and Present—that will showcase early efforts, including Gobbledygook Has Gotta Go, a 1996 pioneering book by Bureau of Land Management employee John O’Hayre. Plain language legal writing refers to legal writing that is well thought-out, well organized, and understandable to the client without interpretation: the language is clear, the legal concepts are explained and the technical terms are defined. For more than forty years, I’ve studied the documents that public companies file. 10 Tips to Write in Plain Language. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. S. Learn how to apply plain language principles and best practices to your VA website content, and find resources and tools to help you write for your audience. uses short sections and short sentences. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. Plain language summaries (PLS) are summaries of scientific articles and congress abstracts written in easy-to-read, non-technical language . Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. What is Plain Language? Importance of Plain. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. Choose your words carefully. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. Consider your audience. Published: 2004. 1. Let’s look at two. It is important for scientists to use plain language not only to reach the public; but also to reach one another. Agency programs and contacts. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. Before and after plain language examples demonstrate how scientific documents can be translated into plain language. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly. You may use these materials as the basis of your own class. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. For this 10th anniversary, we evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. 12866, E. Plain Language. Author: Londell Buckson. Words to avoid. [table striped="true" responsive="true"] Is the tone appropriate for the audience?Plain language is communication that is clear and easy to understand for your target audience, regardless of the medium used to deliver it. The resource Plain language online notes that a “crucial feature of plain language is testing the writing to determine whether it adequately conveys to the targeted reader the writer’s intentions. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. Writing in plain English and legal writing have the same goal: communicating complex ideas in a digestible and manageable form. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). 12988, and. Professor Joseph Kimble (2006), a noted scholar on legal writing, warns that we should avoid words and formalisms that give legal writing its musty smell. Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public. The public is beginning to see the difference plain, clear writing can make. The first task for ISO’s plain language Working Group was to complete the Experts’ Draft and to adopt it as Draft 1. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. They consist of a plain language title (~50 words) and a clear summary of the article using non-technical language, making it accessible to a wider network of readers (~300 words). . Language allows us to communicate our. It should summarize your scientific study, its results, and their broader relevance without using jargon so that it is understandable by scientists from outside of your discipline, as well as science journalists. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. everything plain language “p”. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. Published: 2002. Rather, by choosing straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures and by organizing and presenting your material. ”. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. Great if you need to explain the importance of plain language to your boss. 6 What documents must use plain language. " Afrikaans Geskrewe kommunikasie is duidelik (in ‘’plain language’’) wanneer die teikengehoor die inligting wat hulle nodig het,. The Plain Language Summary (PLS) should convey the same information as the Abstract but in a completely different language and tone. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. S. Plain language refers to clear communication that an audience can understand the first time they hear or read it. Although plain language is a familiar idea, many organizations don’t use it as often as they should. The Summit will begin at 10:00 am, ET, and conclude at 3:45 pm, ET. They also didn't have a negative reaction to the simplified content. What is plain language? Plain language is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand communication. Federal Plain Language Guidelines. The American Bar Association passed this resolution advising federal agencies to write regulations in plain language. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. The analysis outlined above is the first step before creating programs and platforms forA clear, simple summary written in plain language helps people to understand complex health evidence. This comprehensive plain language writing guide includes a definition, when to use it, tips for using it, and 10 examples of how to write in plain language. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. Pointing words. uses short sections and short sentences. gov. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. Businesses such as banks, insurance companies, law firms, legal services and IT companies use plain language to communicate with customers. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. Learn the definition, guidelines, purposes, and examples of plain language. Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. We will explore five stories or themes that show how plain language can increase access. On the six cards below, learn. As an author, you should. 5. Split topics up into logical sections separated by informative. When people understand what they read, they need fewer explanations and make fewer mistakes. Words to avoid. We continue to revise it every few. S. If you have an update, please let us know at info@plainlanguage. and compelling as any other type of language. Write for the reader, not for yourself. Use informative headings and subheadings if the document is lengthy? Use white space for easy scanning? Use lists and tables to simplify complex material? Download the PDF Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. As Justice Clarence Thomas once said, the “beauty is not to write a five cent idea in a ten dollar sentence” but rather “to put a ten dollar idea in a five cent sentence. An old adage. In her literature review “ Plain Language in the U. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese, doublespeak, gibberish, gobbledygook, skotison. Plain Language &. Language allows us to communicate our ideas and thoughts. Take your audience’s current level of knowledge into account. View these before and after examples to see how the National Archives is. Plain Language in Spoken Communication. Plain Language: Getting Started or Brushing Up. These terms are not the only acceptable plain language alternatives for these vocabulary words. ” Writing in plain. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. It helps readers access and use the content without confusion, frustration, or extra. As the starting point and at every point, design and write the document in a way that best serves the reader. They concluded that the organization did not have a true process or standard for communication, and as a result implemented plain language as the standard. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. Is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. (Active)Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Rep. In fact, legalese makes lawyers’ writings so incomprehensible that the US Congress regularly introduces ‘plain language’ Bills to regulate them. 5. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. 5. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Principle 1: Use Active Voice. Plain language is information that readers can understand the first time they read it and use easily. Writing in Plain Language. gov held two online workshops to explain how to write in plain language. Checklist for Plain Language. Minimize abbreviations. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Gains Momentum: 1940-2015,” Karen Schriver outlines the following: “Between 1940 and 1970, plain language focused mainly on readability. In Europe, it’s expected that plain language summaries will. ”you get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way. § Research tells us that most readability formulas are. • Met with representatives from other agencies to discuss plain language procedures and best practices. It is also called plain English or plain writing. Testing Your Document’s Readability. Find out the benefits of plain language for different audiences and purposes, and explore the sources and resources on plain language from various experts and organizations. It improves reading comprehension, accessibility, and ethical action. Every organization has long-term employees who’ve worked in government for decades. Plain language is personal. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. In 2008, the two main international umbrella organizations (Clarity and PLAIN) and the Center for Plain Language in the United States set up a. S. It is a thorough companion to the writing process, with comprehensive guidance and advice on understanding your readers, planning and creating your text, and presenting your words. They make fewer errors filling out forms. T. Many you have never heard before, and many you may have heard but don’t know their correct definition, spelling, or pronunciation. If your preceding paragraph describes the process of strip mining, and your next paragraph begins with “this process causes…,” the word this makes a clear connection between paragraphs. But they don’t want to take the time to decide which they mean, so they push the job off on the audience. Professor Joseph Kimble (2006), a noted scholar on legal writing, warns that we should avoid words and formalisms that give legal writing its musty smell. One legal scholar calls abbreviations a “menace to prose” (Kimble, 2006). Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. Morkes, J. No. It is communication your audience can understand the first time they encounter it. You can also use the toggle on the top right to switch everything to. (Active)National Archives staff are continually informed about plain writing through internal newsletter articles, an internal web page, and blog posts on plain writing. Resources. Hosted by Digital. Plain language can be useful in an academic setting. The plain language Community of Practice is a network of communications professionals that work to help public servants communicate in plain language to their audience. We believe that using plain language saves government agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain English writing style. In general. You know what you are trying to say – make sure the reader does, too. It aims to improve the effectiveness and accountability of the public service by requiring communications to be clear and accessible to the public. [table striped="true" responsive="true"] Is the tone appropriate for the audience?The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Compare the following examples to get the idea of the plain language. Adopting plain language in the workplace is sometimes perceived as overly complicated or not really necessary. Plain language should be easy to read, understand and use. Readability is a strong ally in the quest for plain language—the more common and less complex a word, phrase, or. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. This is crucial. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Keep in mind that the average U. Executive Order 23-02 directs agencies to prioritize their most-viewed, public-facing materials. ” The phrase certainly shouldn’t connote drab and dreary language. Do your research. Prefer a simpler word whenever you can. By using words in. The Clarity Journal is distributed free to. (If you’re writing for the web, here’s the web checklist . Help the reader understand the order in which things happen. (b) the agency considers that the intended audience for the document is the public generally (rather than 1 or more. The state Department of Health’s Center for Public Affairs has developed resources to help you effectively. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. A study of how users with lower literacy skills read and navigate on the web, for example, found that even users with. The Plain Language and Multilingual communities share a goal of achieving more effective communication. During 2021, CRT had a plain language specialist on detail from the Administrative Office of the Courts, and also procured the services of a communications strategy team from GSA’s 18F digital consultancy. They make fewer errors filling out forms. Plain-language advocates often trumpet this utility by demonstrating that doc - uments written in plain language are easier to use than docu-ments that feature jargon, convoluted paragraphs, and crowded visual design. The plain language summaries for completed projects have an average reading level of 8. There are a variety of books, articles, videos, and journals that provide different perspectives on the value of plain language in areas as diverse as science, government regulation, and law. Federal employees speak. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. S. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. When we write in the negative, we place another stumbling block in audience’s way and make it more difficult for them to understand us. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. You may be required to prepare a Plain Language Summary for a journal article submission, a grant application. Longer papers are assessed an excess length fee. Use summaries to present key information before going into detail. Plain Language in Government Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide shows you how to apply federal plain-language guidelines to every type of writing — from emails, memos, and letters to agency communications, technical procedures, and budget justification statements. Use informative headings and subheadings if the document is lengthy? Use white space for easy scanning? Use lists and tables to simplify complex material? Download the PDF Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. In addition. Plain language summaries are designed to be readily understood by anyone who is interested in the content of peer-reviewed research articles, be they specialists or non-specialists Citation 5, Citation 6. If your customers don’t understand your documents, you. This is the 10th time the Center for Plain Language has issued a yearly Report Card evaluating how well agencies follow the Plain Writing Act.