Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. . In “The Effectiveness of Plain Language” study, readers judged the plain language samples as “well-written” 64% of the time and “well-organized” 66% of the time (compared to 48% and 49. 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. People with language impairments often have a reduced vocabulary and learning new terms is a very slow difficult process. You may use any of the. Plain Language has been a stylistic goal for all Federal Government communication since at least 2010, with passage of the The Plain Language Act. To provide an opportunity for public feedback, we created the CMS Plain Language . The loosely organized campaign to encourage legal writers and business writers to write clearly and concisely – without legalese – while preserving. Plain language writing—and speaking—will help you to get your message across clearly and concisely. Her parents think she knows some signs. 2. determine if such treaties are becoming easier to read or if improvements are still needed. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. ”A clear, simple summary written in plain language helps people to understand complex health evidence. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Here are some examples, both historical and current. Demand. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. This chapter will introduce you to the principles of plain language and allow you to practise them. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Speech given to 600 high-level Mexican public servants at the launching plain language conference Lenguaje ciudadano on the 5th of October 2004. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. Law and requirements. “If you think about it, a lot of the communication that we send out to our families flies in the face of this,” said Ogando. What’s plain language? Plain language is a writing technique that prioritizes simple words and straightforward sentence structures. Find Canadian and international resources. Plain language begins long before you put pen to paper — or keystroke to keyboard. The Plain Language and Multilingual communities share a goal of achieving more effective communication. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. Describe how writers should handle multiple audiences. Reports and brochures. Writing in Plain Language . Contact us if you have suggestions on ways to improve our documents or website. (Active)Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Plain-language research also necessarily intersects with design (Mazur, 2000). The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Use language your audience understands and feels comfortable with. Visit plainlanguage. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. readability statistics. 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. A common myth is that plain language is incompatible with teaching complex subjects. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. PLS concisely summarize technical content in simple, jargon-free language for ease of reading and improved understanding. Page 5. The plain language definition states, at its core, that plain language is easily and quickly understandable. The intended readership of plain language summaries can include patients, patient advocates, caregivers, members of the media, busy. ” Plain language style involves everyday words and. 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. You can flip the cards. You should format your letter like the one shown in the guidebook. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. PLAIN LANGUAGE definition: language that is clear and easy to understand , with no ambiguity or unnecessarily. Write it into contracts to require any vendors and contractors to follow the plain language, people-first style. Take train-the-trainer bootcamp through plainlanguage. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. March 2011Revision 1, May 2011. Wednesday, August 24, 2022 10:30 AM – 3:45 PM ET. 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. The purpose of a pla in-lan guage approach in written communications is to convey. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. —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. Just because someone can read instructions written at a grade 14 level doesn’t mean they. The Summit will begin at 10:00 am, ET, and conclude at 3:45 pm, ET. Take your audience’s current level of knowledge into account. Using Plain language: In general, keep language. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. . Refer to the reader as you, but not if it sounds accusatory or insulting. • the importance of using plain language; • best practices and helpful tips; • leadership’s interest in and support of plain writing; and • training opportunities (within and outside of the Department). ”. It’s especially important in letters to engage the reader by using pronouns. Our growing network includes members from over 30 countries working in clear communication in at least 15 languages. Plain language looks at the whole message from the reader’s perspective, including wording, structure, and design elements. 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. Complex topics can be clearly communicated with plain language without losing substance. The American public deserves plain language communication from its government, and it’s the law. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The active voice eliminates confusion by forcing you to name the actor in a sentence. and compelling as any other type of language. Her parents think she recognizes a couple dozen signs. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. 6. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. “And/or” is a classic example. Avoid Overly Complicated Language. As an author, you should. How to Use this Guide In this guide. In fact, legalese makes lawyers’ writings so incomprehensible that the US Congress regularly introduces ‘plain language’ Bills to regulate them. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: . Magistrate Judge Allison Claire, a federal judge based in Sacramento, California, in a case called Muniz v. In healthcare writing, patients are often the intended audience. We must use plain language in any document that. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. Plain language works with whatever style you follow. Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. Write in a conversational tone. In the U. You must have at least 20 participants. It is also called plain English or plain writing. In Australia, plain language has become a commercial success. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. A challenge in writing plain language summaries is to avoid oversimplifying terms or concepts, which can lead to content that is misleading or inaccurate, or that. While the day-to-day work of plain language happens in departments, your program won’t thrive without clear expectations from the top. What is Plain Language? Importance of Plain. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. 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. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. $350–$930/course, not including textbooks. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. We continue to revise it every few. M. Word choice is an important part of. It is important for scientists to use plain language not only to reach the public; but also to reach one another. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. The plain language summaries for completed projects have an average reading level of 8. Plain language does not mean simplifying or dumbing down. 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. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. The Plain Language community is a group of government employees and contractors dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications from government. Plain language is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and completely as possible. The public can contact CMS and send comments about our plain writing efforts via the . Meet other Canadians doing plain language work. Instead, put the emphasis on the agency by using “we”. It not only gives still-very-relevant lessons on why plain. Tommy Thompson, George W. Use even more lists than on paper. 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. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. “Shall” has three strikes against it. In the past, Trump has. • Developed a Plain Language Matrix to document related tasks and steps to begin operationalizing our plain language. Yes, you did. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. 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). Adopting plain language in the workplace is sometimes perceived as overly complicated or not really necessary. In this 4-week online training, you will: complete 4 modules (1 module each week) be assigned to a small group. Plain Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain and simple. This. ”. The dissatisfaction with legalese sparked the Plain Language Movement in. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. However, abbreviations have proliferated so much in government writing that they constantly require the reader to look back to earlier pages, or to consult an. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate clearly. It is clear communication. 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. Apocrypha. In September 2019, the ISO ballot approved the proposal to develop a plain language standard ― that’s when the Working Group was established, and the real work began. History and timeline. As the starting point and at every point, design and write the document in a way that best serves the reader. reading level or below. We’re a nonprofit organization run entirely on a volunteer basis. to stand in plain view. Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public. Write annual compliance reports and post these reports on its plain language web page. Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) brings together plain language supporters and practitioners from around the world. Plain Language in Plain English. This page last reviewed on. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. – understand what they find. a plain trail to the river. Longer papers are assessed an excess length fee. Plain language summaries (PLS) are summaries of scientific articles and congress abstracts written in easy-to-read, non-technical language . To communicate professionally, you need to know when and how to use either active or passive voice. In this course, you’ll learn the writing standards and practices outlined within the plain language field. By October 13 2011, we will use plain language in any new or substantially revised document that:. In addition. This award recognizes people who. 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. I do think there’s an obligation to recognize that if your goal is to inform the. Writing Plain Language for Law (PLNL510) Plain Language in Health Literacy (PLNL520) Technical Writing and Editing (TCOM120) Copy Editing (EDIT210) Learning materials. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. Our mission PLAIN is the. Before and after plain language examples demonstrate how scientific documents can be translated into 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. This thesaurus offers plain language equivalents to medical terms, phrases, and references. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language movements originated in the 1970s in several countries, including the UK, US and Canada. These new website pages apply the task-focused approach and Plain Writing guidelines to encourage skimming, scanning, and selecting. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. Consider your audience. Plain language is information that readers can understand the first time they read it and use easily. 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. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. Utilize technology tools. Plain language (also called Plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Plain Language: Getting Started or Brushing Up. Before. plain language. As an editor of technical, statistical reports, I see authors making a number of mistakes in approach, execution and English. Plain Language &. Plain Language Act 2022 — New Zealand Legislation. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. It has 5 general areas to consider: audience and purpose, structure, design, expression, and. Find out about the Plain. [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. PLAIN is joining together with Clarity International and the Center for Plain Language to co-host an international online conference with 2 exciting events. This definition of plain language is ‘reader-based’ and not [a] ‘text-based’ analysis of a writing style. The American Bar Association passed this resolution advising federal agencies to write regulations in plain language. Excellent use of all plain language principles. Use plain language. Abbreviations were once intended to serve the audience by shortening long phrases. Bibliographic resources about health literacy. The ability to communicate and explain research in plain language is a critical skill. Agency programs and contacts. 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. How to Apply Plain Language Techniques in Technical Documents. 8 to 8. Before and after. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. 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. Help readers skim and scan. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. , and Nielsen, J. Writing in plain English and legal writing have the same goal: communicating complex ideas in a digestible and manageable form. Plain Language Training Resources . gov. 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. “And/or” is a classic example. Plain language helps you better understand your audience and how your audience uses the content you create. This handbook and Chairman Levitt’s whole drive to encourage “plain English” in disclosure documents, are good news for me. It helps us write for people who read at all levels of time, interest, education and. Provides information about any federal government benefit or service. In others, such as when you’re writing a blog, you’ll soundMake a commitment. Plain Language. Hosted by Digital. In a user’s manual, people are trying to do tasks—actions. A study of how users with lower literacy skills read and navigate on the web, for example, found that even users with graduate degrees completed tasks faster when language was simplified. We’ll train your managers as well. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. First, I situate the development of plain legal language use by Dutch courts in the broader context of the plain language movement, relating this development to two different views of language: language as representation and language as activity (section 2). The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. (a) the document is in English (but see subsection (3) and section 15 ); and. Plain Writing Act of 2010. Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Plain language fixes this problem. gov’s presentations and handouts after you become a trainer to create your own plain language training class and/or make your own educational materials based on your training materials and NIH’s plain language resources. Pointing words. Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. conveying the meaning clearly and simply; easily understood. Plain language is writing that the intended audience can understand and act upon the first time they read it. People think I can teach them style. 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. This Plain Language Thesaurus has been put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Marketing. You may use any of the content on this site without. “Mike’s talking about a two-step approach with some good language attached to the CR,” Jordan said. Language allows us to communicate our. This book shows you how to write for customers and clients in language that's easy to understand. (b) the agency considers that the intended audience for the document is the public generally (rather than 1 or more. To learn more about plain language, read the 12 Plain Language tips accessible only on the Government of Canada network) and contact the Plain Language Community of. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. President Clinton was an advocate and signed two executive orders and issued a Memorandum on Plain Language in Government Writing. The National Library of Medicine provides bibliographies, sorted by year, citing many documents about health literacy. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. government agencies are required to communicate in plain language. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. Historical Quotes. Learning. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. Writing in Plain Language. The Plain Language Commission accredits public documents and websites with the Clear English Standard logo and provides training in plain language. means you are communicating with your audience in a way . Our Plain Language Liaisons report on what staff in their units are doing to review and revise documents — view before/after examples. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. Published: 2002. It is. 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. These are valuable to a range of readers, including patients, patient advocates, the general public, non-specialist clinicians, research scientists, decision-makers. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. Read more to see how plain language can be as . On October 27 and 28, 2020, the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) will bring experts together to explain how plain language can improve our government communication. Plain Language is nothing more than the using clear, familiar language that a range of people can understand. Write for the reader, not for yourself. Although plain language is a familiar idea, many organizations don’t use it as often as they should. Legal Writing Institute Awards: Joe Kimble is chair of the Outreach Committee for the Legal Writing Institute’s Golden Pen Award. For the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card, the judges focused on the main Coronavirus pages and the main Freedom of. English is the richest language, often having five words for a concept, while many have two. It might be science journalists, healthcare practitioners, academic professionals, policymakers or the general public; they need to understand and engage with the research. Cost. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. This glossary of terms is derived from a list copyrighted by the University of Kentucky. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. It offers. L. (Active)National Archives staff are continually informed about plain writing through internal newsletter articles, an internal web page, and blog posts on plain writing. We also continue to work to ensure plain writing is used in public communications related to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Avoid the third person when the second person works. Plain language is a way of writing so that more people can easily read and understand your content. According to plainlanguage. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Writers of plain English let their. Steps to success 1. 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. It improves reading comprehension, accessibility, and ethical action. 1. Overview. This plain-language course will: Outline a writer’s obligations under the Plain Writing Act. Follow established web-writing guidelines to maximize readability. Links. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. (2) WEBSITE. Effective plain language content means that the target audience can read, understand, and confidently act on the information in your content. It avoids verbose, convoluted language and jargon. 13 Plain Language 13. 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. 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. Think about how well your communications support people in getting things done. We continue toOLYMPIA, Wash. ) Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. 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. 3. Antiquated words flourish words such as herein, therein,Plain language is a necessity and can have a big payoff for both consumers and organizations. Plain language begins long before you put pen to paper—or keystroke to keyboard. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. To celebrate, we’re putting together a collection of 30 of the people who have kept the campaign thriving. It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. Through numerous exercises as well as examples from a variety of federal and state. 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. Once a sentence approaches 40 words, consider splitting it into two. The law requires federal agencies to. 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. T. Plain Language has been a stylistic goal for all Federal Government communication since at least 2010, with passage of the The Plain Language Act. Write in the active voice. Speakers address debunking myths, meeting varying audience’s needs,. Hosted by Digital. It helps Veterans and their families access and use VA services and benefits. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain Language WebsiteUsing Plain Language makes it easier for the reader to accurately interpret your message. The Office of Management and Budget issued final guidance to implement the law on April 13, 2011. Unfortunately, posting too many PDFs can work against your goal of retaining users. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. *You work through modules independently, but you must submit group. Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper. 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. 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). We offer free, half-day training classes for federal agencies. Download the 2021 Report Card. Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. It has become so corrupted by misuse that it has no firm meaning. Word choice is an important part of. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. Plain Writing and Clear Communications. View the Jargon Madness slides (PowerPoint presentation, 1. Long, flowing sentences and the passive voice can occasionally be useful, but they shouldn’t have a large presence in your content. These resources will help you and your colleagues create better content through plain. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step toward political. Other areas where we see a push toward plain language include the sciences and the legal profession. PLAIN has been connecting plain language people for 30 years now. 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. During the 1970s, some practitioners began to employ usability testing. webpage . There will be two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. ”you get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way. Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. You should format your letter like the one shown in the guidebook. Plain-language documents are accessible and present information in a way that is easy to absorb. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. 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. This group was and remains the center of the US movement for plain language. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards.