Plain language avoids verbose or convoluted language, jargon, euphemism, and ambiguous language. Select the most appropriate. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). Great if you need to explain the importance of plain language to your boss. Write for the reader, not for yourself. Plain Language. Download the 2022 Report Card PDF. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. M. Adopting plain language in the workplace is sometimes perceived as overly complicated or not really necessary. Compare the following examples to get the idea of the plain language. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. Find out the benefits of plain language for different audiences and purposes, and explore the sources and resources on plain language from various. This book has great real-world examples proving how plain language can save your organization money and time. What is Plain Language? Importance of Plain. and compelling as any other type of language. ”. ) Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. It has become so corrupted by misuse that it has no firm meaning. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. For example, the phrase “people who are incarcerated” is wordier but more representative and equitable than the term “inmates. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). The Plain Language Action and Information Network defines plain language, also called plain writing or plain English as “communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Many famous writers, politicians, and others have commented over the centuries on the importance of writing clearly and briefly. The material available about plain language is. We at the Department of Health and Human Services are committed to writing all of our new documents in plain language, starting. Write to the reader, using the pronoun “you” as much as possible. Government has embraced plain language, and government agencies are revising written materials and websites to comply with plain language standards. “Shall” has three strikes against it. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. 2020-2021 Access for All: Plain Language is a Civil Right. According to the International Plain Language Federation, “Communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand. gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an online health literacy training for health professionals. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Agency programs and contacts. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Unfortunately, posting too many PDFs can work against your goal of retaining users. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese,. Keep in mind that the average U. Antiquated words flourish words such as herein, therein,Plain language is a necessity and can have a big payoff for both consumers and organizations. Many SAGE journals now accept PLS and some have made them mandatory for all. We continue toOLYMPIA, Wash. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. Plain language myths. S. ) written for the average reader. The material available about plain language is. 1. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. 5. Plain language works with whatever style you follow. A plain language standard provides all sectors, in nearly all languages, with a set of guidelines and strategies to make information more accessible and effective. Agencies earned grades between A and F for both organizational compliance. We commit to write content that is easy to read and understand. Plain language is one element of clear communication. English is the richest language, often having five words for a concept, while many have two. There is no one ‘right’ way to express an idea. Apparently, the headquarters writer was trying to impress people with his so-called knowledge of economics terminology. A discipline that might eventually become known as ‘plain language studies’ is beginning to emerge through the collaboration of individual plain language proponents (plainers for short). プレイン・ランゲージ（英語: plain language 、「平易な言語」の意）は、読み手が必要な情報を簡単に見つけ、見つけた情報を容易に理解し使えるようにするために、的確に言葉を選び、文章の構成やデザインを行っているコミュニケーション様式の総称で. The point is that the process is reversible. 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. Put the most important information at the top and the background at the bottom. Page 5. We must use plain language in any document that. Author: Barbro Ehrenberg-Sundin. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Her parents think she knows some signs. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Federal government. Explain what plain language is and is not. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. Online Plain Language Training. ”. Help readers skim and scan. ”. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. (1) In this Act, a document for which a reporting agency is responsible is a relevant document if—. Plain language is a more complex version of English and baby talk. Plain language is typically based on an eighth-grade reading level, as this ensures clarity and simplicity in communication. Before and after. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is an unfunded working group of federal employees from different agencies and specialties who support the use of clear communication in government writing. U. Use even more headings with less under each heading. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. It might be science journalists, healthcare practitioners, academic professionals, policymakers or the general public; they need to understand and engage with the research. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. 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. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Why Use Plain Language? Download Why Use Plain Language? [PDF - 12. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language writing—and speaking—will help you to get your message across clearly and concisely. gov’s presentations and handouts after you become a trainer to create your own plain language training class and/or make your own educational materials based on your training materials and NIH’s plain language resources. Resources. Readability is a strong ally in the quest for plain language—the more common and less complex a word, phrase, or. Is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. Your professor was likely smarter than you were. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. 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. Plain language summaries (PLSs) have been introduced to communicate research in an understandable way to a nonexpert audience. 13 Plain Language 13. Reference Oppenheimer, D. Stick to your topic. A challenge in writing plain language summaries is to avoid oversimplifying terms or concepts, which can lead to content that is misleading or inaccurate, or that. PLAIN LANGUAGE definition: language that is clear and easy to understand , with no ambiguity or unnecessarily. The aim of a plain-language standard is to provide — for writers everywhere who are working on any type of document, from a letter to legislation — a tool with: The credibility of ISO, its 165 national-standards body members, and more than 22,500 standards. Also called plain language . gov’s presentations and handouts after you become a trainer to create your own plain language training class and/or make your own educational materials based on your training materials and NIH’s plain language resources. Gains Momentum: 1940-2015,” Karen Schriver outlines the following: “Between 1940 and 1970, plain language focused mainly on readability. Plain Language is a style of copywriting that makes your content easy to understand because it reaches audiences with various reading levels and cognitive abilities. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. 7. Plain style is reader-friendly because it's clear, concise, and precise; it uses short, action-driven sentences free of jargon to make language accessible and easy to understand. Using Plain Language. Plain language avoids unnecessarily complicated or obtuse technical language in favor. Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. 1 Using plain language enables you to connect directly and clearly with all audiences - from research participants, to the general public, to research colleagues. Learn what plain language is and how to write in plain language with best practices and examples. To learn more about plain language, read the 12 Plain Language tips accessible only on the Government of Canada network) and contact the Plain Language Community of. Plain language is important in written and verbal communication. Provides information about any federal government benefit or service. There will be two sessions each day. We also continue to work to ensure plain writing is used in public communications related to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The following Executive Orders emphasize the need for plain language in regulations:Since 2011, the Center for Plain Language has issued a yearly report card to show how well federal agencies follow the Plain Writing Act. 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. Plain Language Training Resources . Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. . As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. complete group discussion assignments (usually due Tuesdays and Fridays) spend about 2 hours per week on coursework. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. 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. This guidance sets out the steps agencies should take to comply with the Plain Language Act 2022. In the past, Trump has. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. 10 Tips to Write in Plain Language. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. Abstract. to explain the importance of the Plain Writing Act and outline CMS’ commitment to full compliance with the Act. Our mission PLAIN is the. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. 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. Using plain language can advance health literacy, build trust in your organization as a source of information, and promote overall community health. The first rule of plain language is: write for your audience. [4] Plain writing, as defined by the PWA, is “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. 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. To celebrate, we’re putting together a collection of 30 of the people who have kept the campaign thriving. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. Verb phrases are the best headings for sections that relate to procedures. But as these pages discuss, we still have a long. ”. Find Canadian and international resources. 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. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. ”. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Just because someone can read instructions written at a grade 14 level doesn’t mean they. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. No. plain language. Plain Language Act’s Objectives. Although plain language is a familiar idea, many organizations don’t use it as often as they should. 54 MB, 34 pages) from Laura Rabuck’s 2022 Federal Plain Language Summit presentation. Using plain language on government websites is one of the best ways to reach your target audience. plain language movement. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. As an author, you should. We offer free, half-day training classes for federal agencies. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. You may use any of the content on this site without. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. It helps us write for people who read at all levels of time, interest, education and. 5. The journal features the latest plain language research, practical advice, before-and-after examples, success stories, campaign strategies and much more. Avoid PDF overload. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. This can be hard in healthcare where medical terminology and acronyms prevail. 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. 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. 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. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. Plain language works with. Plain-language documents are accessible and present information in a way that is easy to absorb. Dictionaries, thesauruses, and grammar sites are excellent tools that can help you clarify your word choice. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. Plain Language has been a stylistic goal for all Federal Government communication since at least 2010, with passage of the The Plain Language Act. (2) WEBSITE. Readers call less often for explanations. 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. Agencies earned grades between A and F for both. 6 MB] Our readers are busy. Your Reader is a Person. Do your research. It has 5 general areas to consider: audience and purpose, structure, design, expression, and. He includes the following words in. The audiences include, but are not limited to, practitioners, policy makers, the public, and/or professionals in nearby disciplines. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. ”. gov. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. We at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are committed to improving our service to you by writing in plain language. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. Plain language is personal. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. 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. Learn more about the government’s plain language standard and find a checklist to help you in your projects. recent trends in plain language that move beyond comprehension and task com - pletion to building user trust. The first step is to implement an official plain language policy. Our first guest is Lynda Harris from New Zealand. Plain Language. Testing Your Document’s Readability. Virtual International plain language conference (2020) – Access for all : Plain Language is a Civil Right – Part 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. In 2008, the two main international umbrella organizations (Clarity and PLAIN) and the Center for Plain Language in the United States set up a. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. uses active voice. It saves people and government time and money and improves the accessibility of your content. Plain language checklist. Here are some examples, both historical and current. (a) the document is in English (but see subsection (3) and section 15 ); and. Half-day presentations. It helps Veterans and their families access and use VA services and benefits. Agency programs and contacts. This handbook and Chairman Levitt’s whole drive to encourage “plain English” in disclosure documents, are good news for me. Legalese versus plain language by Peter Butt Legal English has traditionally been a special variety of English. The plain language definition states, at its core, that plain language is easily and quickly understandable. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. This Plain Language Thesaurus has been put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Marketing. The Nielsen Norman Group has done multiple studies on PDFs and has consistently found. “Shall” has three strikes against it. 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. Source: International Plain Language Federation. Plain English is clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. A discipline that might eventually become known as ‘plain language studies’ is beginning to emerge through the collaboration of individual plain language proponents (plainers for short). People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. Follow established web-writing guidelines to maximize readability. Three days virtual conference dedicated to using plain language to break down barriers in society. It makes writing easy to read for more people. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Plain Language and Multilingual communities share a goal of achieving more effective communication. Governments at all levels, especially the federal government, are using plain language more extensively. Hard writing makes easy reading. The Office of Management and Budget issued final guidance to implement the law on April 13, 2011. 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. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. These are valuable to a range of readers, including patients, patient advocates, the general public, non-specialist clinicians, research scientists, decision-makers. everything plain language “p”. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. By using words in. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. Principles of Plain Language (PPTX), our original plain language class; Plain Language and Writing for the Web (PPTX), based on Principles, but with a web focusPfizer began sharing study results in plain language with the general public in May 2021, and people can expect to see more and more of it in the future. Once a sentence approaches 40 words, consider splitting it into two. 3. (the person, group or thing doing the action); (the action itself); and. Plain language lists can help spot problem words and consider alternatives, but keep in mind that plain language is more than just a list of words to avoid—it’s a way of writing. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. They point to an antecedent. It improves reading comprehension, accessibility, and ethical action. This three-hour online workshop by the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. – understand what they find. " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. To learn more about plain language, read the 12 Plain Language tips accessible only on the Government of Canada network) and contact the Plain Language Community of. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Hidden verbs come in two forms. Posting PDF versions (PDFs) of original documents on your site would seem to be an obvious alternative to rewriting your content in web format. 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 Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to train staff to use plain language when they communicate with. ) Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. 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. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. 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. Break documents into separate topics. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. In “The Effectiveness of Plain Language” study, readers judged the plain language samples as “well-written” 64% of the time and “well-organized” 66% of the time (compared to 48% and 49. Plain style is reader-friendly because it's clear, concise, and precise; it uses short, action-driven sentences free of jargon to make language accessible and easy to understand. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. On October 27 and 28, 2020, the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) will bring experts together to explain how plain language can improve our government communication. Although. 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. In Europe, it’s expected that plain language summaries will. The dissatisfaction with legalese sparked the Plain Language Movement in. You can also watch the 28-minute, 13-second video on YouTube. Federal Plain Language Guidelines, March 2011, Rev. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. Utilize technology tools. Plain Language 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. We have previously worked with the National Institutes of Health, U. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. • the importance of using plain language; • best practices and helpful tips; • leadership’s interest in and support of plain writing; and • training opportunities (within and outside of the Department). Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. S Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Benefits Administration (to. government agencies are required to communicate in plain language. choices at a 6th grade. View these before and after examples to see how the National Archives is. There will be two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. An old adage. The public is beginning to see the difference plain, clear writing can make. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. 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. Plain language (or plain English) is an approach to writing that concentrates on the needs of your readers. Plain language is a necessary—but not the only—requirement in complex communication situations. Don’t write for an 8th-grade class if your audience is composed of PhD candidates, small business owners, working parents, or immigrants. Use Microsoft Word’s Readability Statistics feature—part of the Spelling & Grammar check—to measure your progress as you write and edit copy. 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. As an editor of technical, statistical reports, I see authors making a number of mistakes in approach, execution and English. Handbooks and manuals. The use of plain language is spreading in many areas of American culture. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. As an author, you should. The intended readership of plain language summaries can include patients, patient advocates, caregivers, members of the media, busy. Visit plainlanguage. Writing and reference tools. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. 5. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examplesPlain language is the best option, because it gets your message across in the most efficient way possible. Plain language summaries (PLS) are summaries of scientific articles and congress abstracts written in easy-to-read, non-technical language . People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand. Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public. Many you have never heard before, and many you may have heard but don’t know their correct definition, spelling, or pronunciation. Federal Plain Language Guidelines. Plain Language &. • Met with representatives from other agencies to discuss plain language procedures and best practices. Simple words help you express your message clearly. Overview. Support for plain-writing is growing in the legal professions, which bring us some of our best and most varied examples of plain-writing. Understanding what users are trying to do when visiting your website or reading your communications will help you write clearly and focus on their needs. Clear words benefit individuals who live with cognitive and learning disabilities, language impairments, memory impairments, and autism. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese, doublespeak, gibberish, gobbledygook, skotison. After. There are millions of words in the English language. Every organization has long-term employees who’ve worked in government for decades. Plain Language is a clear way of writing and sharing information so that people can understand it the first time they read or hear it. Plain language strategy #2: We make shorter. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. First, I situate the development of plain legal language use by Dutch courts in the broader context of the plain language movement, relating this development to two different views of language: language as representation and language as activity (section 2). In this 4-week online training, you will: complete 4 modules (1 module each week) be assigned to a small group. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. gov explains how to write in plain language. Plain language avoids verbose or convoluted language, jargon, euphemism, and ambiguous language. (Active)Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Long, flowing sentences and the passive voice can occasionally be useful, but they shouldn’t have a large presence in your content. Plain language is useful for everyone, and crucial for users with language barriers and cognitive challenges. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The legal community is moving to a strong preference for “must” as the clearest way to express a requirement or obligation. That makes their writing ambiguous. The English language allows many ways to. Plain Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. The Plain English Campaign is an independent pressure group fighting for public information to be written in plain English. Identify their top tasks. Our five-step checklist will guide you through the plain language process and help you develop content that’s right for your organization. When you communicate with the public and other partners, it is best practice to use Plain Language or “Plain Talk. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. We need trainers to help us provide plain language training to government agencies. We’ll train your managers as well. S. in writing programs to identify reading level. The Office of the Federal Register provides excellent guidance on Drafting Legal Documents. Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please, Joseph Kimble, 2012. 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. • Developed a Plain Language Matrix to document related tasks and steps to begin operationalizing our plain language. Your main goal is to convey your ideas with the greatest possible clarity. 1. ”. Replacing complex words with simpler words whenever possible lets your readers concentrate on your ideas and information. S. It’s robust and direct—the opposite of gaudy, pretentious language. First, lawyers regularly misuse it to mean something other than “has a duty to. the proper approach to legal writing. On August 24, 2022, the Plain Language Community of Practice (CoP) will bring together federal employees to highlight plain language successes in many federal agencies at all stages of the communications journey. In this course, you’ll learn the writing standards and practices outlined within the plain language field. They make fewer errors filling out forms. Plain language can be understood the first time it is read or heard. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. L. Use positive language. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a plain language standard: ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. Think through the questions your users likely have and then organize the material in a logical order. It .