People who benefit from plain language includes anyone with a disability that effects their reading ability. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). This glossary of terms is derived from a list copyrighted by the University of Kentucky. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. We continue to revise it every few. Just because someone can read instructions written at a grade 14 level doesn’t mean they. means you are communicating with your audience in a way . Plain language (or plain English) is an approach to writing that concentrates on the needs of your readers. No. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. Yes, you did. (link is external) Everyday Words for Public Health Communication. has useful headings. The journal features the latest plain language research, practical advice, before-and-after examples, success stories, campaign strategies and much more. 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. Plain language checklist. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. There will be two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. Plain language summaries (PLS) are summaries of scientific articles and congress abstracts written in easy-to-read, non-technical language . Put the most important information at the top and the background at the bottom. Source: International Plain Language Federation. When people understand what they read, they need fewer explanations and make fewer mistakes. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. By itself, plain language could not have completely alleviated the. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. This plain-language course will: Outline a writer’s obligations under the Plain Writing Act. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. Plain language is one element of clear communication. It’s especially important in letters to engage the reader by using pronouns. In either case, court staff may spend time explaining theAbstract. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. Don’t use slashes. Words matter. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. Provides information about any federal government benefit or service. Plain language guidelines and tips. Words to avoid. The Plain Language Summary (PLS) should convey the same information as the Abstract but in a completely different language and tone. Please feel free to use these terms in place of medical jargon, wherever you feel they might be better understood. It is not baby talk, nor is it a simplified version of the English language. Use short sentences: aim for an average word count of 20. Plain Language in Plain English. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. A word about “plain English. Compare the following examples to get the idea of the plain language. ”. If in Microsoft Word, a. organized to serve the reader’s needs. Gains Momentum by Karen A. You’ll also develop a sensitivity to the issues of literacy and work toward. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. ”the Plain Language Movement, legal language, and rhetoric, and 3. The Plain Language community is a group of government employees and contractors dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications from government. 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. Complex and Abstract Words. For this 10th anniversary, we evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. Find out about the Plain. 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. 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. Resources. You can see how shorter paragraphs improve your readability score. Plain language writing and design ensures information is concise, inclusive and easy to understand. We aim to bring you timely information about the work of CDC and other organizations to improve health literacy. ” A plain language summary (PLS) summarizes a scientific study and its results to help people without scientific expertise, or from another. Our mission PLAIN is the. Sometimes verb phrases would make good headings for procedural sections of rules. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. Long, flowing sentences and the passive voice can occasionally be useful, but they shouldn’t have a large presence in your content. Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please, Joseph Kimble, 2012. Also called plain language . The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate clearly. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. Write it into contracts to require any vendors and contractors to follow the plain language, people-first style. Plain English writing style. Writing and reference tools. The following Executive Orders emphasize the need for plain language in regulations:Since 2011, the Center for Plain Language has issued a yearly report card to show how well federal agencies follow the Plain Writing Act. Links. It is also called plain English or plain writing. If a document does not use people-first language, send it back to the writer and ask them to edit it to comply with the style guide. Write in a conversational tone. It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. When users do not understand court forms, they either complete the forms incorrectly or call the court for more information. The point is that the process is reversible. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Our trainers are federal employees from across. Plain Language in Sweden, the Results After 30 Years. . 6. Utilize technology tools. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Lists are useful because they: Highlight levels of importance. It is a thorough companion to the writing process, with comprehensive guidance and advice on understanding your readers, planning and creating your text, and presenting your words. Don’t write for an 8th-grade class if your audience is composed of PhD candidates, small business owners, working parents, or immigrants. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. [1] The Act applies to public service agencies and Crown agents. 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. Use positive language. Join the national plain language movement. gov. Style guides. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. 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). Pointing words. 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. 8-11-2020 workshop and 9-10-2020 workshop. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents. A plain language summary exploring a new treatment combination for untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: enfortumab vedotin plus. Learning. O. They also didn't have a negative reaction to the simplified content. Official description. 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. 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. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Christian Miller said that, internally, the plain language description of ProPublica resonated. USA. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. But in the process, he wasted at least 30 minutes of two senior executives’ time, not to mention subordinates’ and a consultant’s time. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. Plain language is a communication that is clear, simple, and easy to understand. We’re accustomed to thinking and speaking positively. Plain language is a more complex version of English and baby talk. 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. Testing your writing to make sure it’s clear to. The Plain Language Thesaurus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers plain language equivalents to medical terms and phrases. Choose your words carefully. Plain Language saves money, increases efficiency, and reduces the need for clarification. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly as possible so it can reach as many people as possible. 420. We will explore five stories or themes that show how plain language can increase access. Plain Language. ”4. Watch on. PLAIN offers a variety of introductory classes on plain language. Keep in mind that the average U. 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. Adopting plain language in the workplace is sometimes perceived as overly complicated or not really necessary. Andy Biggs of Arizona, a hardline. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Published: 2002. Plain Language: Getting Started or Brushing Up. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. (the person, group or thing doing the action); (the action itself); and. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Introduction. Every thought can be expressed in many different ways and the variety comes from the individual way we approach an idea or. Learn what plain language is and how to write in plain language with best practices and 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. About 79% of users scan new pages they come across; only 16% read word-by-word. PLAIN offers free consultation to federal agencies on how to start an internal agency plain language program. Complex topics can be clearly communicated with plain language without losing substance. The public can contact CMS and send comments about our plain writing efforts via the . Short Definition of Plain Language. How to Use this Guide In this guide. This page last reviewed on. Select the most appropriate. The Definitive Plain Language Writing Guide. When you’re going to meet a friend at the airport, do you say, “If you fail to arrive by 5:00, I cannot pick you up,” or do. In fact, organizations such as Plain Language Association InterNational, Clarity International, and the Plain Language Ac -For most journals, Research Articles are allowed to be up to 25 publication units (PU), where 1 PU is 500 words or 1 display element (figure or table). The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) website was launched in 1994; regular meetings began in 1995. Use Microsoft Word’s Readability Statistics feature—part of the Spelling & Grammar check—to measure your progress as you write and edit copy. Readability is a strong ally in the quest for plain language—the more common and less complex a word, phrase, or. This website consists of five sections and a checklist you can print. 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. Fortunately, there is a concerted effort to help healthcare professionals incorporate plain language into their daily practice in both oral and written communication. She was very small when she was born. Before You Start Writing. 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. One legal scholar calls abbreviations a “menace to prose” (Kimble, 2006). The National Library of Medicine provides bibliographies, sorted by year, citing many documents about health literacy. The USDA plain language coordinators can be found by contacting us via plainlanguage@usda. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. This incident shows what an unnecessary time-waster non-plain language can be. In Australia, plain language has become a commercial success. The purpose of a pla in-lan guage approach in written communications is to convey. Then, agencies will simplify and review the content on a regular basis to ensure these documents follow plain language writing and design. 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. S. organized to serve the reader’s needs. Use plain language. In general. This blog post is the first in a series of three—Plain Language Past and Present—that will showcase early efforts, including Gobbledygook Has Gotta Go, a 1996 pioneering book by Bureau of Land Management employee John O’Hayre. Plain Language &. Plain Language Act 2022 — New Zealand Legislation. By the mid-1980s, there was a widespread sense that plain-language advocates. You may have been toiling away for years to change wordy. Plain Language at NIH. Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. S Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Benefits Administration (to. Right of use means any authorization issued under this part that allows use of Outer Continental Shelf lands. Plain Language Training Resources . The aim of a plain-language standard is to provide — for writers everywhere who are working on any type of document, from a letter to legislation — a tool with: The credibility of ISO, its 165 national-standards body members, and more than 22,500 standards. Contact us if you have suggestions on ways to improve our documents or website. PLAIN is joining together with Clarity International and the Center for Plain Language to co-host an international online conference with 2 exciting events. Our first guest is Lynda Harris from New Zealand. gov. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. 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. Write for your reader, not yourself. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. Choose everyday words: the shorter the word, the more likely it will be familiar to the reader. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. Do your research. Find out the benefits of plain language for different audiences and purposes, and explore the sources and resources on plain language from various. (link is external) This page last reviewed on May 15, 2023. Government has embraced plain language, and government agencies are revising written materials and websites to comply with plain language standards. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as:. ” Writing in plain. Jargon Madness is a plain language conversation starter that cuts across the organizational chart. 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. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. State your major point(s) first before going into details. Bibliographic resources about health literacy. It should not be confused with an oversimplified, condescending style. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Plain Writing and Clear Communications. 3. The use of plain language is spreading in many areas of American culture. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. You achieve plain English when you use the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea. 1. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. 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). . That doesn’t mean that you should put your letter in passive voice. Use short lists and bullets to organize information. Additional plain language history is covered in Plain Language in the U. Language allows us to communicate our ideas and thoughts. Easy to read, easy to understand and easy to use, plain language—plain English— lands your organization in the users’ world. Be prepared to educate and learn along the way. Agency programs and contacts. PLAIN believes the public deserves to understand what its government is doing for them and expects of them. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. Learn what plain language is and how to write in plain language with best practices and examples. They want to scan, not read. Yes, you did. Your Reader is a Person. English is the richest language, often having five words for a concept, while many have two. So here is the 2002 edition: A. $350–$930/course, not including textbooks. Published: 2004. 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. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. Every organization has long-term employees who’ve worked in government for decades. 10 Tips to Write in Plain Language. Actually, plain English is typically quite interesting to read. 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. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese,. This can be hard in healthcare where medical terminology and acronyms prevail. 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. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. Indeed, scientific information conveyed in plain language invariable reaches. You know what you are trying to say – make sure the reader does, too. read more. Plain language is clear language. feedback form posted on the page. 5. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a plain language standard: ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. What’s plain language? Plain language is a writing technique that prioritizes simple words and straightforward sentence structures. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. Using plain language can advance health literacy, build trust in your organization as a source of information, and promote overall community health. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. 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. 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. 2010s. It helps us write for people who read at all levels of time, interest, education and. Plain Language. In Conclusion. Author: Londell Buckson. And best practices for a patient audience include keeping content between a 6. The audiences include, but are not limited to, practitioners, policy makers, the public, and/or professionals in nearby disciplines. Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. The most recent example from U. ) written for the average reader. 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. Readers call less often for explanations. 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. 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. The Plain Language Commission accredits public documents and websites with the Clear English Standard logo and provides training in plain language. The Definitive Plain Language Writing Guide. S. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. Plain language writing—and speaking—will help you to get your message across clearly and concisely. Language allows us to communicate our. 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. 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. 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. Principle 1: Use Active Voice. Here are some examples of how using plain language can help clear up clarity problems caused by ambiguous wording. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Tommy Thompson, George W. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Apart from fractions, the slash has almost no good uses. 2. $75 program application fee. 2. It’s not simplified language; it’s direct language that doesn’t contain any flair or fluff. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Visit plainlanguage. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). It helps Veterans and their families access and use VA services and benefits. Being direct and plainspoken is not talking down. The Plain English Campaign is an independent pressure group fighting for public information to be written in plain English. Many famous writers, politicians, and others have commented over the centuries on the importance of writing clearly and briefly. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. The Center for Plain Language, a non-profit organization, helps government agencies and businesses write clear and understandable communications. 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. For example, the phrase “people who are incarcerated” is wordier but more representative and equitable than the term “inmates. The first task for ISO’s plain language Working Group was to complete the Experts’ Draft and to adopt it as Draft 1. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. In short, you should always aim for clarity, readability, and brevity. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. Plain language allows the reader to locate, understand, and act on the information presented. This group was and remains the center of the US movement for plain language. L. Reference Oppenheimer, D. Meet other Canadians doing plain language work. 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. gov. How to Apply Plain Language Techniques in Technical Documents. Plain language is a necessary—but not the only—requirement in complex communication situations. – understand what they find. Find out about the Plain Writing Act, policy memos, and executive orders that require agencies to use plain language. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. A great deal of research connected to the Center for Civic Design has well established the design/plain language relationship through effective voting ballots. See individual courses for textbook details. Plain language does not mean simplifying or dumbing down. Simple words help you express your message clearly. According to the government's Plain Language. Beginning in 2022, Pfizer will be disclosing the results of all global clinical trials—phases 1 through 4—in plain language. 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. We evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. Take train-the-trainer bootcamp through plainlanguage. 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. Effective plain language content means that the target audience can read, understand, and confidently act on the information in your content. gov. Plain language has been around in the government for over 40 years. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. We have edited this list. PLAIN is dedicated to helping federal agencies train their staff to communicate clearly and develop their own plain language programs. “Shall” has three strikes against it. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. You may use any of the. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. The legal community is moving to a strong preference for “must” as the clearest way to express a requirement or obligation. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: . 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. Review plain language guidelines for using verbs, nouns, and pronouns. Use plain language. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Apart from fractions, the slash has almost no good uses. Speech given to 600 high-level Mexican public servants at the launching plain language conference Lenguaje ciudadano on the 5th of October 2004. Looking aheadThe Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Plain Language is nothing more than the using clear, familiar language that a range of people can understand. Find Canadian and international resources. All of these help users connect to the text and cue the user better than nouns do. 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 is a style of copywriting that makes your content easy to understand because it reaches audiences with various reading levels and cognitive abilities. We all do! From language learners to advanced readers, everyone benefits from plain language. People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand. Plain Language. This book is as helpful as it is entertaining. 01 Introduction. We’re a nonprofit organization run entirely on a volunteer basis. It’s not just about the words you choose, but your overall ability to. 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. Federal employees speak. (2) WEBSITE.