It improves access to services and creates a better experience for your reader. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. 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. Use pronouns when you can. 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. The National Library of Medicine provides bibliographies, sorted by year, citing many documents about health literacy. Specifically, writing in plain language increases the ability for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities to access your programming. 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. Plain language is a way of writing and presenting information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 into law on. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step toward political. Write in active voice. The first rule of plain language is: write for your audience. Plain language (or plain English) is an approach to writing that concentrates on the needs of your readers. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. First, lawyers regularly misuse it to mean something other than “has a duty to. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. Award winners. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Choose everyday words: the shorter the word, the more likely it will be familiar to the reader. This. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. 2. Too many complex words are like hurdles in a race, barriers to understanding which slows readers down. Plain Language has been a stylistic goal for all Federal Government communication since at least 2010, with passage of the The Plain Language Act. Split topics up into logical sections separated by informative. Plain and simple. “And/or” is a classic example. This guidance sets out the steps agencies should take to comply with the Plain Language Act 2022. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve communication and takes less time to read and understand. Plain language movements originated in the 1970s in several countries, including the UK, US and Canada. Whether or not there is a government-wide mandate to use plain language as government leaders come and go, the initiative has taken hold. 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. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese, doublespeak, gibberish, gobbledygook, skotison. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. We’re accustomed to thinking and speaking positively. Right of use means any authorization issued under this part that allows use of Outer Continental Shelf lands. They concluded that the organization did not have a true process or standard for. But in the process, he wasted at least 30 minutes of two senior executives’ time, not to mention subordinates’ and a consultant’s time. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. I do think there’s an obligation to recognize that if your goal is to inform the. The materials are similar in both. 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. 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. PLS concisely summarize technical content in simple, jargon-free language for ease of reading and improved understanding. 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. Outline other rules related to word. Mysterious in form and expression, it is larded with law-Latin and Norman-French, heavily dependent on the past, and unashamedly archaic. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. Hard writing makes easy reading. Replacing complex words with simpler words whenever possible lets your readers concentrate on your ideas and information. Plain English is clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. You may use any of the. – use that information. This Plain Language Thesaurus has been put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Marketing. Then, agencies will simplify and review the content on a regular basis to ensure these documents follow plain language writing and design. Links. Explain what plain language is and is not. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as:. Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. ETGAR may serve as a model for learning written communication skills during clinical years, using the. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 promotes clear government communication that the public can understand and use. Plain language works with whatever style you follow. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly. Write in a conversational tone. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Reports and brochures. Ask if one of our experienced trainers is available for your agency. You can see it in action right here! plain language. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. Long, flowing sentences and the passive voice can occasionally be useful, but they shouldn’t have a large presence in your content. Don’t write for an 8th-grade class if your audience is composed of PhD candidates, small business owners, working parents, or immigrants. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Online Plain Language Training. Lists are useful because they: Highlight levels of importance. That's likely why readers across a wide variety of audiences prefer it, but plain style also has other benefits, like making documents more cost-effective and easier. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. In business, a message is only effective when it is understood. Download the 2021 Report Card. These terms are not the only acceptable plain language alternatives for these vocabulary words. The English language allows many ways to. 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. 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. Our trainers are federal employees from across. 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. Plain language is writing that the intended audience can understand and act upon the first time they read it. Principle 1: Use Active Voice. U. Tommy Thompson, George W. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. ”. People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand. 2020-2021 Access for All: Plain Language is a Civil Right. How to Use this Guide In this guide. Typically it is written at a 6th-8th grade reading level for the. It improves reading comprehension, accessibility, and ethical action. Take train-the-trainer bootcamp through plainlanguage. Select the most appropriate. " SAMHSA. Avoid the third person when the second person works. 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 chapter will introduce you to the principles of plain language and allow you to practise them. 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. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. We’ll train your managers as well. Yes, you did. Our growing network includes members from over 30 countries working in clear communication in at least 15 languages. Write explanatory letters. Writing and reference tools. Plain language is a more complex version of English and baby talk. Language allows us to communicate our ideas and thoughts. Plain language is the key to effective communication, allowing you to get the most important information to the right people as clearly and as effectively as possible. There will be two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. ) places. The long introduction with fancy SAT words might work in college, but it’s not. ”. Rather, by choosing straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures and by organizing and presenting your material. 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. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Many you have never heard before, and many you may have heard but don’t know their correct definition, spelling, or pronunciation. Learn what plain language is and how to write in plain language with best practices and examples. Effective plain language content means that the target audience can read, understand, and confidently act on the information in your content. Our first guest is Lynda Harris from New Zealand. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. 12988, and. The Plain Language Commission accredits public documents and websites with the Clear English Standard logo and provides training in plain language. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. It is also called plain English or plain writing. Develop a strong plan that is also flexible. Do your research. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Write to the reader, using the pronoun “you” as much as possible. Please feel free to use these terms in place of medical jargon, wherever you feel they might be better understood. Language. Writing in Plain Language. Agency programs and contacts. Our Plain Language Liaisons report on what staff in their units are doing to review and revise documents — view before/after examples. Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public. Plain language strategy #2: We make shorter. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. 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. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. T. Here are some style guides. It has 5 general areas to consider: audience and purpose, structure, design, expression, and. Provides information about any federal government benefit or service. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. After. ”you get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. 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. Virtual International plain language conference (2020) – Access for all : Plain Language is a Civil Right – Part 1. 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. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. O. If your customers don’t understand your documents, you. Write for your reader, not yourself. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. It has become so corrupted by misuse that it has no firm meaning. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. Agencies are required to take steps to support their people to use plain language. Ambiguous Wording Rewritten. Use plainlanguage. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. We all do! From language learners to advanced readers, everyone benefits from plain language. 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. everything plain language “p”. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. Plain language myths. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. In healthcare writing, patients are often the intended audience. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. Keep it Short. Before and after plain language examples demonstrate how scientific documents can be translated into plain language. 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. Readers call less often for explanations. Plain Language in Government Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide shows you how to apply federal plain-language guidelines to every type of writing — from emails, memos, and letters to agency communications, technical procedures, and budget justification statements. There is no one ‘right’ way to express an idea. 6 What documents must use plain language. 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. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. Read more to see how plain language can be as . Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. They are emerging as a valuable addition to scientific publications because they have the potential to increase the understanding of scientific data, by making complex information more accessible to wider. “It’s not easily understood. 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. People think I can teach them style. S. 2010s. • Developed a Plain Language Matrix to document related tasks and steps to begin operationalizing our plain language. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. Virtual Event, 13 October 2020. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. We’re a nonprofit organization run entirely on a volunteer basis. uses short sections and short sentences. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. In either case, court staff may spend time explaining theAbstract. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. L. The Act does not cover regulations. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. Letters and notices. This timeline is an abbreviated and updated version of A History of Plain Language in the Government by Joanne Locke. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. He includes the following words in. S. The purpose of a pla in-lan guage approach in written communications is to convey. clear or distinct to the eye or ear. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. By using plain language, you increase the likelihood someone will understand your messaging. Minimize abbreviations. Plain language begins long before you put pen to paper — or keystroke to keyboard. —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. Documents that must use plain language. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. [table striped="true" responsive="true"] Is the tone appropriate for the audience?The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Style guides. ) written for the average reader. Word choice is an important part of. ”. Overview. Plain language should be easy to read, understand and use. Before FCC issued the regulation, there were five staff members answering public calls and letters with questions about the FCC’s requirements for operating ham radios. It . S. The Plain English Campaign is an independent pressure group fighting for public information to be written in plain English. 5. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. (If you’re writing for the web, here’s the web checklist . Use language your audience understands and feels comfortable with. Using plain language can help workplaces communicate. He includes the following words in. These resources will help you and your colleagues create better content through plain. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. This page last reviewed on. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents. What is Plain Language? Importance of Plain. By using words in. It often needs an extra verb to make sense. Instead, put the emphasis on the agency by using “we”. you get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way. 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. One legal scholar calls abbreviations a “menace to prose” (Kimble, 2006). Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. , the Plain Writing Act of 2010 took effect in October 2011 (see below). 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. Simple words help you express your message clearly. 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. You can also use the toggle on the top right to switch everything to. At [Agency Name], we are committed to writing in plain language and using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines: We have. When people understand what they read, they need fewer explanations and make fewer mistakes. Plain. We must use plain language in any document that. feedback form posted on the page. ”. (the person, group or thing doing the action); (the action itself); and. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Plain Language in Spoken Communication. Describe how writers should handle multiple audiences. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) website was launched in 1994; regular meetings began in 1995. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese,. Complex and Abstract Words. It is clear communication. It is not baby talk, nor is it a simplified version of the English language. Find Canadian and international resources. Apocrypha. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. 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. The Center for Plain Language, a non-profit organization, helps government agencies and businesses write clear and understandable communications. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. Write in the active voice. You may use these materials as the basis of your own class. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Her hand shakes so she does not do sign language. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). 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). It is also called plain English or plain writing. If you have an update, please let us know at info@plainlanguage. This thesaurus offers plain language equivalents to medical terms, phrases, and references. Before You Start Writing. " Afrikaans Geskrewe kommunikasie is duidelik (in ‘’plain language’’) wanneer die teikengehoor die inligting wat hulle nodig het,. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Clear words benefit individuals who live with cognitive and learning disabilities, language impairments, memory impairments, and autism. Writers of plain English let their. S. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. 7. Her parents think she knows some signs. If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. Using Plain language: In general, keep language. For more than forty years, I’ve studied the documents that public companies file. It is communication your audience can understand the first time they encounter it. For example, “Please make an application for a personal loan” is longer and less clear than “Please apply for a personal loan. This can be hard in healthcare where medical terminology and acronyms prevail. It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. Top 10 Principles for Plain Language. This clear writing approach is ideal for public sector employees who write to and for King County taxpayers, ratepayers and other clients and customers. While the Act does not cover regulations, three separate Executive Orders emphasize the need for plain language: E. 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. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Providing training to all staff in a variety of ways, including the Department of Health and Human Services Plain Language online modules, webinars, and in-person training. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. Although NIMS guidance only requires plain language use in mutual aid events, the wayThe Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to train their staff in plain language. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. This three-hour online workshop by the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. Trump also intends to circumvent the 14th Amendment so that he can end birthright citizenship for the children of unauthorized immigrants. Plain language allows the reader to locate, understand, and act on the information presented. By October 13 2011, we will use plain language in any new or substantially revised document that:. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Plain language begins long before you put pen to paper—or keystroke to keyboard. Why Use Plain Language? Download Why Use Plain Language? [PDF - 12. 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. 6. They also didn't have a negative reaction to the simplified content. [1] The Act applies to public service agencies and Crown agents. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Several months after FCC issued the regulation, the questions had fallen off so far that all. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Find out about the Plain Writing Act, policy memos, and executive orders that require agencies to use plain language. What is plain language? Nowadays, we have a (fairly) robust understanding of what makes writing readable. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. 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. These days, federal job postings for writers, editors, and many other positions either request or require plain language experience—skills, former training, or even some level of expertise called “mastery. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (PWA) [2] and Executive Order 13,563 [3] require agencies to use plain language in various public-facing documents. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. Plain Language Summaries (PLS) provide a summary of an article in non-technical, jargon-free language that is understandable to non-specialist audiences. Your professor was likely smarter than you were. Learn the definition, guidelines, purposes, and examples of plain language. The ability to communicate and explain research in plain language is a critical skill. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. [table striped="true" responsive="true"] Is the tone appropriate for the audience?Plain language is communication that is clear and easy to understand for your target audience, regardless of the medium used to deliver it. 12866, E. Use short sentences: aim for an average word count of 20. Visit plainlanguage. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language is clear, concise, and easily understood the first time someone reads or hears it. S. While plain language became law for government agencies, it was also used across different industries to improve communication. They want to scan, not read. Designing for reading is an important part of developing effective communications. It avoids verbose, convoluted language and jargon. These “Plain Language Summary for a Pro Se Litigant” sections have now made their way into First Step Act jurisprudence. Federal Plain Language Guidelines, March 2011, Rev. Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper. Utilize technology tools. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. Plain Language. " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. She was very small when she was born. In fact, legalese makes lawyers’ writings so incomprehensible that the US Congress regularly introduces ‘plain language’ Bills to regulate them. Resources. Hosted by Digital. 5, using the Flesch-Kincaid assessment tool in Microsoft Word. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. readability statistics. The bill would create plain language requirements including:Tuesday, October 27, 2020 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM ET. 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. President Clinton was an advocate and signed two executive orders and issued a Memorandum on Plain Language in Government Writing. ”the Plain Language Movement, legal language, and rhetoric, and 3. Published: 2002. 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. M. That makes their writing ambiguous. It is intended to make government communications. Words to avoid. In some situations, such as when you’re writing a Congressional letter or summarizing a regulation, you’ll sound more formal. organized to serve the reader’s needs. 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. When users do not understand court forms, they either complete the forms incorrectly or call the court for more information. ”. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. This blog post is the first in a series of three—Plain Language Past and Present—that will showcase early efforts, including Gobbledygook Has Gotta Go, a 1996 pioneering book by Bureau of Land Management employee John O’Hayre. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. government agencies are required to communicate in plain language.