S. The Nielsen Norman Group has done multiple studies on PDFs and has consistently found. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. means you are communicating with your audience in a way . Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Plain Language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. (2) WEBSITE. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. It is also called plain English or plain writing. Then, agencies will simplify and review the content on a regular basis to ensure these documents follow plain language writing and design. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain language summaries (PLS) are typically short synopses of peer-reviewed journal publications that simplify the complex. Author: Londell Buckson. Take your audience’s current level of knowledge into account. WHAT IS PLAIN LANGUAGE? Plain language (also known as plain English) is a way of writing or presenting information so that readers can understand it quickly and easily. gov for more guidance on using plain language. S. Antiquated words flourish words such as herein, therein,Plain language is a necessity and can have a big payoff for both consumers and organizations. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. It is also called plain English or plain writing. By the mid-1980s, there was a widespread sense that plain-language advocates. One legal scholar calls abbreviations a “menace to prose” (Kimble, 2006). Plain English is clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. T. 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. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. (Active) The police stopped the riot. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. PLAIN offers a variety of introductory classes on plain language. What is plain language? Nowadays, we have a (fairly) robust understanding of what makes writing readable. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. This handbook and Chairman Levitt’s whole drive to encourage “plain English” in disclosure documents, are good news for me. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Email plainwriting@nara. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. For other groups, such as people living with dementia, learning new terms is not. 10 Tips to Write in Plain Language. Learn the definition, guidelines, purposes, and examples of plain language. Virtual International plain language conference (2020) – Access for all : Plain Language is a Civil Right – Part 1. Plain language discharge letters written for real patients in the context of experience-based learning improved in quality, providing students with skills to work effectively in an environment where poor health literacy is prevalent. Our five-step checklist will guide you through the plain language process and help you develop content that’s right for your organization. Author: Barbro Ehrenberg-Sundin. This page describes how to write in plain language, in these areas: Replace verb-noun phrases and wordy phrases with more precise words; Choose the best word (synonym) with a thesaurus; Use pronouns correctly. Sometimes verb phrases would make good headings for procedural sections of rules. Plain language avoids unnecessarily complicated or obtuse technical language in favor. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. S. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Use plain language. They’re coming together to discuss the plain language and cultural components of effectively. The Definitive Plain Language Writing Guide. Think through the questions your users likely have and then organize the material in a logical order. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. 4. “And/or” is a classic example. Plain Language Training Resources . gov. Compare the following examples to get the idea of the plain language. We will explore five stories or themes that show how plain language can increase access. 10 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. Don’t write for an 8th-grade class if your audience is composed of PhD candidates, small business owners, working parents, or immigrants. This guidance sets out the steps agencies should take to comply with the Plain Language Act 2022. Use short lists and bullets to organize information. On June 1, 1998, President Clinton issued an executive memo. Plain language would have helped clearly communicate the purpose to the public, so there would have been less confusion and mistrust. What is plain language? Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily: – find what they need. Plain Language Act 2022: Guidance for agencies — Te Kawa Mataaho. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. the proper approach to legal writing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an online health literacy training for health professionals. Pointing words. 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 #1: We make shorter paragraphs. There will be two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. View the Jargon Madness slides (PowerPoint presentation, 1. 01 Introduction. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. In 2008, the two main international umbrella organizations (Clarity and PLAIN) and the Center for Plain Language in the United States set up a. In Europe, it’s expected that plain language summaries will. Right of use means any authorization issued under this part that allows use of Outer Continental Shelf lands. Plain Language. 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. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. 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. [9] For instance, the Plain Writing Act 2010 requires US federal agencies to use simple English in their documents so that they can be understood by everyone. choices at a 6th grade. that’s understandable and direct. Your main goal is to convey your ideas with the greatest possible clarity. 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. A great deal of research connected to the Center for Civic Design has well established the design/plain language relationship through effective voting ballots. The bill would create plain language requirements including:Tuesday, October 27, 2020 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM ET. 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. Identify their top tasks. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. A plain language summary exploring a new treatment combination for untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: enfortumab vedotin plus. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to train staff to use plain language when they communicate with. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. There will be two sessions each day. 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. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. Use plain language in any new or substantially revised document . Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. Writing that is legible and well-organized is far easier to understand than more traditional styles. Apart from fractions, the slash has almost no good uses. 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’re accustomed to thinking and speaking positively. reading level or below. Find out about the Plain Writing Act, policy memos, and executive orders that require agencies to use plain language. Longer papers are assessed an excess length fee. We hope you enjoy this post. A word about “plain English. The dissatisfaction with legalese sparked the Plain Language Movement in. 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. They make fewer errors filling out forms. ) written for the average reader. organized to serve the reader’s needs. Apart from fractions, the slash has almost no good uses. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Rather, by choosing straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures and by organizing and presenting your material. CDC’s work aligns with the goals and strategies of the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy, CDC’s Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy and the federal Plain Writing Act. Plain-language research also necessarily intersects with design (Mazur, 2000). President Clinton was an advocate and signed two executive orders and issued a Memorandum on Plain Language in Government Writing. Many famous writers, politicians, and others have commented over the centuries on the importance of writing clearly and briefly. Looking aheadThe Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. Designing for reading is an important part of developing effective communications. Tuesday, August 11, 2020 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET. And best practices for a patient audience include keeping content between a 6. 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. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) website was launched in 1994; regular meetings began in 1995. In business, a message is only effective when it is understood. Resources. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Too often, I’ve been unable to decipher just what is. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly as possible so it can reach as many people as possible. " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. The point is that the process is reversible. After. Plain language myths. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. L. The report card evaluates these agencies on organizational compliance and writing quality. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. ” A plain language summary (PLS) summarizes a scientific study and its results to help people without scientific expertise, or from another. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. 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. 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. On the six cards below, learn about what to do before you start writing. While the Act does not cover regulations, three separate Executive Orders emphasize the need for plain language: E. S. Target an 8th - 9th grade reading level. We all do! From language learners to advanced readers, everyone benefits from plain language. As the starting point and at every point, design and write the document in a way that best serves the reader. you get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way. 6. All of our classes are based on the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and involve interactive writing exercises. Plain language also has the secondary benefit of potentially saving courts time and money. 1. 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. Learn what plain language is and how to write in plain language with best practices and examples. It improves reading comprehension, accessibility, and ethical action. Use Plain Language instead of technical terms; Refer to the PRISM Readability Toolkit which contains information about the principles of Plain Language, and examples for improving readability. – use that information. Abbreviations were once intended to serve the audience by shortening long phrases. Plain language is a way of writing that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. 7. 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. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. 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. uses active voice. Accusatory use of you. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. Instead, put the emphasis on the agency by using “we”. Use even more lists than on paper. Governments at all levels, especially the federal government, are using plain language more extensively. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. S Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Benefits Administration (to. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. There is no one ‘right’ way to express an idea. A common myth is that plain language is incompatible with teaching complex subjects. Using plain language doesn’t mean everyone’s writing must sound the same. Use pronouns when you can. 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. Please feel free to use these terms in place of medical jargon, wherever you feel they might be better understood. Keep it Short. Plain language can be understood the first time it is read or heard. 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. This chapter will introduce you to the principles of plain language and allow you to practise them. The mission of the USAGov program is to make it easier for people to find and understand the government services and information they need—anytime, anywhere, any way they want. It is communication your audience can understand the first time they encounter it. What is Plain Language? Importance of Plain. They also didn't have a negative reaction to the simplified content. March 2011Revision 1, May 2011. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. In others, such as when you’re writing a blog, you’ll soundMake a commitment. It’s especially important in letters to engage the reader by using pronouns. Plain language is clear language. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. Plain language allows the reader to locate, understand, and act on the information presented. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. ” Plain Talk makes it easier for people to read, understand, and use your communications or educational materials. Plain Language is nothing more than the using clear, familiar language that a range of people can understand. 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. In her literature review “ Plain Language in the U. 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 is specifically relevant in stories that are about disability or intellectual disability, but I think that it should happen in other stories too because people with intellectual disabilities have interests in things that aren’t just disabilities. They want to scan, not read. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. Plain Language Act’s Objectives. Even with regulations and the limits of publishing in the Code of Federal Regulations, you can use design elements to help users read and understand the information. This timeline is an abbreviated and updated version of A History of Plain Language in the Government by Joanne Locke. Select the most appropriate. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. Join the national plain language movement. The Office of the Federal Register provides excellent guidance on Drafting Legal Documents. Put the most important information at the top and the background at the bottom. Use lists to help your user focus on important material. Plain language is a way of writing and presenting information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. This group was and remains the center of the US movement for plain language. About 79% of users scan new pages they come across; only 16% read word-by-word. As an editor of technical, statistical reports, I see authors making a number of mistakes in approach, execution and English. Thanks to internet sorcery, we can even take advantage of free tools to quickly gauge the reading level of our writing. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Resources for using plain language. A hidden verb (or nominalization) is a verb converted into a noun. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Write in a conversational tone. The ability to communicate and explain research in plain language is a critical skill. Plain Language in Spoken Communication. Too many complex words are like hurdles in a race, barriers to understanding which slows readers down. A study of how users with lower literacy skills read and navigate on the web, for example, found that even users with. ”. Our trainers are federal employees from across. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. Download the 2021 Report Card. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. 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. – understand what they find. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly. O. This three-hour online workshop by the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Christian Miller said that, internally, the plain language description of ProPublica resonated. 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 [3] helps agencies do this more. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. Dictionaries, thesauruses, and grammar sites are excellent tools that can help you clarify your word choice. The Plain Language Bill is a Member’s bill in the name of Rachel Boyack MP. In some situations, such as when you’re writing a Congressional letter or summarizing a regulation, you’ll sound more formal. 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. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. 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. Start by researching your topic, understanding your audience, and planning and organizing how you will present your information. 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. both plain language and coded language in the same transmission, causing confusion. They make fewer errors filling out forms. President Clinton wrote, “By using plain language, we send a clear message about what the government is doing, what it requires, and what service it offers…Plain language documents have logical organization; common, everyday words, except for necessaryPlain language is writing that the intended audience can understand and act upon the first time they read it. The Plain Language Commission accredits public documents and websites with the Clear English Standard logo and provides training in plain language. At [Agency Name], we are committed to writing in plain language and using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines: We have. Here are some examples, both historical and current. § Research tells us that most readability formulas are. 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. 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. Use Microsoft Word’s Readability Statistics feature—part of the Spelling & Grammar check—to measure your progress as you write and edit copy. Easy to read, easy to understand and easy to use, plain language—plain English— lands your organization in the users’ world. Here are some examples of how using plain language can help clear up clarity problems caused by ambiguous wording. Plain Language WebsiteUsing Plain Language makes it easier for the reader to accurately interpret your message. Published: 2002. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Using plain language on government websites is one of the best ways to reach your target audience. It is also called plain English or plain writing. X: X: X: X: X 40 CFR part 40 Subpart E — Procedures for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing: Uses some plain language principles, but still suffers from some long sections and sentences. Plain language writing—and speaking—will help you to get your message across clearly and concisely. It’s not just about the words you choose, but your overall ability to. Excellent use of all plain language principles. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. Plain language summaries (PLSs) have been introduced to communicate research in an understandable way to a nonexpert audience. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. What is plain language? Plain language is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand communication. Overview. Do your research. Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. The Center supports those who use plain language, trains those who should use plain language, and urges people to demand plain language in all the communications they. PLAIN LANGUAGE definition: language that is clear and easy to understand , with no ambiguity or unnecessarily. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. Use plainlanguage. You can see how shorter paragraphs improve your readability score. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. The material available about plain language is. It is important for scientists to use plain language not only to reach the public; but also to reach one another. Regulations. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. 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. ”. PLAIN is dedicated to helping federal agencies train their staff to communicate clearly and develop their own plain language programs. Rule begins with a useful overview that orients the reader to this complex but well-organized material. Plain Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. And there’s some indication the very first mention of plain language dates back as far as. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. U. Complex and Abstract Words. Plain language Definitions "A 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. Agency programs and contacts. Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. 1, with a range of 6. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. conveying the meaning clearly and simply; easily understood. 12866, E. 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. Any paragraph that can be broken up into shorter paragraphs (or into other elements) makes your message more effective. The Office of Management and Budget issued final guidance to implement the law on April 13, 2011. , and Nielsen, J. Federal government. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. Specifically, writing in plain language increases the ability for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities to access your programming. Bush’s former Secretary of Health and Human Services, has this to say about plain language and the federal plain language group. No. Plain language is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and completely as possible. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. 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. We continue toOLYMPIA, Wash. You may use any of the content on this site without. Language allows us to communicate our ideas and thoughts. 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. Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010, most of our day-to-day communications with county residents were lengthy, overly complex, The Center for Plain Language is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit. The plain language summaries for completed projects have an average reading level of 8. Three days virtual conference dedicated to using plain language to break down barriers in society. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. S. For more than forty years, I’ve studied the documents that public companies file. (b) the agency considers that the intended audience for the document is the public generally (rather than 1 or more. The plain language definition states, at its core, that plain language is easily and quickly understandable. You can also watch the 28-minute, 13-second video on YouTube. has useful headings. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. Here are some style guides. § 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. Ambiguous Wording Rewritten. The state Department of Health’s Center for Public Affairs has developed resources to help you effectively. Agency programs and contacts. 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. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Plain English writing style. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. 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. The first plain language regulation was a FCC regulation on operating ham radios. 1. 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. You achieve plain English when you use the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea.