This website consists of five sections and a checklist you can print. 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. Although plain language is a familiar idea, many organizations don’t use it as often as they should. ”. USA. Use short lists and bullets to organize information. We’ll train your managers as well. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. gov. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. The American Bar Association passed this resolution advising federal agencies to write regulations in plain language. The Act does not cover regulations. The public is beginning to see the difference plain, clear writing can make. Communicating Research Intent and Value in NIH Applications. Plain Language Act 2022 — New Zealand Legislation. Avoid Overly Complicated Language. That makes their writing ambiguous. 4. View these before and after examples to see how the National Archives is. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to train staff to use plain language when they communicate with. Write for your reader, not yourself. ”A clear, simple summary written in plain language helps people to understand complex health evidence. Utilize technology tools. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. These “Plain Language Summary for a Pro Se Litigant” sections have now made their way into First Step Act jurisprudence. O. Also called plain language . Guidelines for writing PLSs have been developed and empirical research on PLSs has been conducted, but terminology and research approaches in this comparatively young field vary considerably. Many you have never heard before, and many you may have heard but don’t know their correct definition, spelling, or pronunciation. (If you’re writing for the web, here’s the web checklist . The IRB has compiled a document entitled Consent Library which includes Plain Language descriptions of procedures and corresponding risk information. Stick to your topic. 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. Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. This. [2] Public service agencies have a role in informing the public about any requirements and entitlements that might apply to them. They point to an antecedent. Cost. —The plain writing section described under paragraph (1)(E) shall— (A) inform the public of agency compliance with the requirements of this Act; and (B) provide a mechanism for the agency to receive and respond to public input on— (i) agency implementation of this Act; and (ii) the agency reports required under section 5. 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. This definition of plain language is ‘reader-based’ and not [a] ‘text-based’ analysis of a writing style. Complex topics can be clearly communicated with plain language without losing substance. An old adage. 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. Test your assumptions. • 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). They make fewer errors filling out forms. . Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. Writing that is legible and well-organized is far easier to understand than more traditional styles. Plain language makes information easier to find, read and understand. Our growing network includes members from over 30 countries working in clear communication in at least 15 languages. Plain language is one element of clear communication. ”. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. i. Official description. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examplesPlain language is the best option, because it gets your message across in the most efficient way possible. The second event will take place May 11-13, 2021 . adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. You may have been toiling away for years to change wordy. It saves people and government time and money and improves the accessibility of your content. For example, “Please make an application for a personal loan” is longer and less clear than “Please apply for a personal loan. To celebrate, we’re putting together a collection of 30 of the people who have kept the campaign thriving. Use summaries to present key information before going into detail. Page 5. Many famous writers, politicians, and others have commented over the centuries on the importance of writing clearly and briefly. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Author: Barbro Ehrenberg-Sundin. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. It’s robust and direct—the opposite of gaudy, pretentious language. ClearMark Awards: The Center for Plain Language sets a high standard for clarity and simplicity in the documents created by North American companies, governments, and organizations. Plain Language Writing Act of 2010 The purpose of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 is “to improve the effectiveness and accountability of federal agencies to the public by promoting clear government communication that the public can understand and use. The dissatisfaction with legalese sparked the Plain Language Movement in. uses active voice. Right of use means any authorization under this part to use Outer Continental. Readers call less often for explanations. But in the process, he wasted at least 30 minutes of two senior executives’ time, not to mention subordinates’ and a consultant’s time. 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). The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. ” A plain language summary (PLS) summarizes a scientific study and its results to help people without scientific expertise, or from another. complete group discussion assignments (usually due Tuesdays and Fridays) spend about 2 hours per week on coursework. Don’t use slashes. 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. Half-day presentations. Typically it is written at a 6th-8th grade reading level for the. Plain Language. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. 7. This incident shows what an unnecessary time-waster non-plain language can be. Language. Select the most appropriate. 3. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English. This three-hour online workshop by the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. (2) WEBSITE. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Style guides. Plain language is a way of writing that makes the message easy to read, understand, and act upon by the intended audience. Readability is a strong ally in the quest for plain language—the more common and less complex a word, phrase, or. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Find Canadian and international resources. Preface by Warren E. Plain language fixes this problem. This chapter will introduce you to the principles of plain language and allow you to practise them. Consequences of erudite vernacular utilized. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. 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). You’ll also develop a sensitivity to the issues of literacy and work toward. Contact us if you have suggestions on ways to improve our documents or website. 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. Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. A hidden verb (or nominalization) is a verb converted into a noun. $350–$930/course, not including textbooks. Plain language is writing designed to be easily understood by all readers the first time it is read. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. PLAIN has been connecting plain language people for 30 years now. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. It’s not simplified language; it’s direct language that doesn’t contain any flair or fluff. Hold informal trainings such as brown bag lunches, one-on-one conversations, and phone calls. Christian Miller said that, internally, the plain language description of ProPublica resonated. Dictionaries, thesauruses, and grammar sites are excellent tools that can help you clarify your word choice. No. It offers. And best practices for a patient audience include keeping content between a 6. (Active)Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. ) written for the average reader. 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. Being direct and plainspoken is not talking down. What federal law requires of us We must use plain language so you can understand: Our benefits and services and how to get them How to file taxes when you receive our benefits or services How to comply with our. gov. 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. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. This is the 11th time the Center for Plain Language has issued a yearly Report Card evaluating how well agencies follow the Plain Writing Act. PLAIN offers free consultation to federal agencies on how to start an internal agency plain language program. Top 10 Principles for Plain Language. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. 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. This guidance sets out the steps agencies should take to comply with the Plain Language Act 2022. Before and after plain language examples demonstrate how scientific documents can be translated into plain language. You may use any of the. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. webpage . 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 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. Don’t use slashes. While the Act does not cover regulations, three separate Executive Orders emphasize the need for plain language: E. plain language. 2010s. Is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes. 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. " SAMHSA. 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. 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. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. Write for your reader, not yourself. Plain language is a way of writing and presenting information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Plain Language. It is also called plain English or plain writing. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step toward political. both plain language and coded language in the same transmission, causing confusion. vivid. 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. This timeline is an abbreviated and updated version of A History of Plain Language in the Government by Joanne Locke. Plain language (also called Plain English or lay language) is communication that your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Plain language can be useful in an academic setting. Bush’s former Secretary of Health and Human Services, has this to say about plain language and the federal plain language group. Plain language is information that readers can understand the first time they read it and use easily. For more than forty years, I’ve studied the documents that public companies file. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. A study of how users with lower literacy skills read and navigate on the web, for example, found that even users with graduate degrees completed tasks faster when language was simplified. Specifically, writing in plain language increases the ability for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities to access your programming. It helps us write for people who read at all levels of time, interest, education and. Our five-step checklist will guide you through the plain language process and help you develop content that’s right for your organization. means you are communicating with your audience in a way . Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. This thesaurus offers plain language equivalents to medical terms, phrases, and references. Download the 2022 Report Card PDF. feedback form posted on the page. A plain language summary exploring a new treatment combination for untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: enfortumab vedotin plus. Keep it Short. Resist the urge to sound formal. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. M. 1 This tool aims to support a systematic review of your material. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. 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. While plain language won’t solve every public health communication challenge, all health communications can be made more efective by communicating plainly. Award winners. Plain Language Materials & Resources. gov explains how to write in plain language. § Plain language has evolved significantly over the past 75 years—from a focus on crafting clear sentences to creating effective multimedia, electronic, or paper communications. Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. government agencies are required to communicate in plain language. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. ”. 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). Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. 13 Plain Language 13. S. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Language allows us to communicate our. 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. Plain Language &. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. In others, such as when you’re writing a blog, you’ll soundMake a commitment. Hard writing makes easy reading. Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper. The Office of the Federal Register provides excellent guidance on Drafting Legal Documents. This book has great real-world examples proving how plain language can save your organization money and time. A great deal of research connected to the Center for Civic Design has well established the design/plain language relationship through effective voting ballots. It makes writing easy to read for more people. Some of that spilled over to Twitter: We also published this story in more accessible plain-language English, audio & Spanish. Instead, put the emphasis on the agency by using “we”. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 into law on. The use of plain language is spreading in many areas of American culture. Plain Language. Develop a strong plan that is also flexible. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. and compelling as any other type of language. gov. Every thought can be expressed in many different ways and the variety comes from the individual way we approach an idea or. I do think there’s an obligation to recognize that if your goal is to inform the. Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) brings together plain language supporters and practitioners from around the world. Compare the following examples to get the idea of the plain language. On the six cards below, learn about what to do before you start writing. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. 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 is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and completely as possible. Short Definition of Plain Language. This group was and remains the center of the US movement for plain language. So here is the 2002 edition: A. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. Unfortunately, posting too many PDFs can work against your goal of retaining users. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. There will be two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. Hosted by Digital. gov. Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010,. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. Agencies earned grades between A and F for both. Plain Language Writing Act of 2010 The purpose of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 is “to improve the effectiveness and accountability of federal agencies to the public by promoting clear government communication that the public can understand and use. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. However, abbreviations have proliferated so much in government writing that they constantly require the reader to look back to earlier pages, or to consult an. Break documents into separate topics. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. In this 4-week online training, you will: complete 4 modules (1 module each week) be assigned to a small group. Replacing complex words with simpler words whenever possible lets your readers concentrate on your ideas and information. Think about how well your communications support people in getting things done. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. We’re accustomed to thinking and speaking positively. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Contains guidelines for creating plain language materials, as well as an overview of the plain language movement and tools for trainers. The Summit will begin at 10:00 am, ET, and conclude at 3:45 pm, ET. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as:. For other groups, such as people living with dementia, learning new terms is not. Our trainers are federal employees from across. See individual courses for textbook details. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. She was born early. O. 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. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. 6 MB] Our readers are busy. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. All of these help users connect to the text and cue the user better than nouns do. L. Plain language (also called Plain English or lay language) is communication that your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. S. The active voice eliminates confusion by forcing you to name the actor in a sentence. 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. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. No. a plain trail to the river. The plain language definition states, at its core, that plain language is easily and quickly understandable. Plain language avoids unnecessarily complicated or obtuse technical language in favor. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. ETGAR may serve as a model for learning written communication skills during clinical years, using the. Here are some examples, both historical and current. 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. Words matter. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. This clear writing approach is ideal for public sector employees who write to and for King County taxpayers, ratepayers and other clients and customers. 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. Effective plain language content means that the target audience can read, understand, and confidently act on the information in your content. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. First, lawyers regularly misuse it to mean something other than “has a duty to. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. They concluded that the organization did not have a true process or standard for. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Plain language summaries (PLS) are summaries of scientific articles and congress abstracts written in easy-to-read, non-technical language . As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. L. The first plain language regulation was a FCC regulation on operating ham radios. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. Too many complex words are like hurdles in a race, barriers to understanding which slows readers down. This thesaurus offers plain language equivalents to medical terms, phrases, and references that we often use. Words matter. At [Agency Name], we are committed to writing in plain language and using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines: We have. Morkes, J. Plain-language summary (PLS) is a synopsis of research findings written in an easily understandable way, so that even lay audience would grasp the content. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: . We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Write in the active voice. What is plain language? Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. But as these pages discuss, we still have a long. 5. 2. Plain language works with whatever style you follow. How to Apply Plain Language Techniques in Technical Documents. It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. 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. S. This book shows you how to write for customers and clients in language that's easy to understand. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. For this 10th anniversary, we evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. It is also called plain English or plain writing. Yes, you did. Writing in Plain Language . It is clear communication. Documents that must use plain language. The Office of Management and Budget issued final guidance to implement the law on April 13, 2011. Our Plain Language Partners. We’ll use plenty of before-and-after examples. 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 short, you should always aim for clarity, readability, and brevity. If your customers don’t understand your documents, you may have to: Answer phone calls. All of our classes are based on the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and involve interactive writing exercises. ”the Plain Language Movement, legal language, and rhetoric, and 3. Legal Writing Institute Awards: Joe Kimble is chair of the Outreach Committee for the Legal Writing Institute’s Golden Pen Award. Using Plain language: In general, keep language. She was very small when she was born. Tommy Thompson, George W. It has 5 general areas to consider: audience and purpose, structure, design, expression, and. Plain language writing and design ensures information is concise, inclusive and easy to understand. Words to avoid. Too often, I’ve been unable to decipher just what is. What are Plain Language Summaries (PLS)? PLS sit after the academic abstract. $75 program application fee. Virtual Event, 13 October 2020. To communicate professionally, you need to know when and how to use either active or passive voice. Email plainwriting@nara. Plain language is clear language. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese,. A Plain Language Summary is an incredibly effective science communication tool that allows researchers to reach a wider audience by summarizing their work in terms that are accessible to people outside of a specific scientific circle. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. gov held two online workshops to explain how to write in plain language. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. Abstract. 5: Plain Language. Established by the Secretary of Homeland Security, NIMS only requires plain language for mutual aid scenarios, though it strongly encourages the use of plain language during day-to-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. The U. 54 MB, 34 pages) from Laura Rabuck’s 2022 Federal Plain Language Summit presentation. You can also watch the 28-minute, 13-second video on YouTube. You can flip the cards. About 79% of users scan new pages they come across; only 16% read word-by-word. Here are some examples of how using plain language can help clear up clarity problems caused by ambiguous wording. 1. Plain language is important in written and verbal communication. The material available about plain language is. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. What is plain language? Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily: – find what they need. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. PLAIN LANGUAGE •Kyra is autistic and deaf. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. 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. The Plain Language community is a group of government employees and contractors dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications from government. PLAIN believes the public deserves to understand what its government is doing for them and expects of them. This book is as helpful as it is entertaining. Write annual compliance reports and post these reports on its plain language web page. On the six cards below, learn. 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. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. Plain Language in Sweden, the Results After 30 Years. Source: International Plain Language Federation. Writing Plain Language for Law (PLNL510) Plain Language in Health Literacy (PLNL520) Technical Writing and Editing (TCOM120) Copy Editing (EDIT210) Learning materials. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain Language Training Resources . gov. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Readers call less often for explanations. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008).