Guidelines for writing PLSs have been developed and empirical research on PLSs has been conducted, but terminology and research approaches in this comparatively young field vary considerably. It makes writing easy to read for more people. Links. Select the most appropriate. Andy Biggs of Arizona, a hardline. Established by the Secretary of Homeland Security, NIMS only requires plain language for mutual aid scenarios, though it strongly encourages the use of plain language during day-to-Plain language legal writing refers to legal writing that is well thought-out, well organized, and understandable to the client without interpretation: the language is clear, the legal concepts are explained and the technical terms are defined. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. What are Plain Language Summaries (PLS)? PLS sit after the academic abstract. Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. We provide a free half-day introduction to plain language to federal agencies. Tommy Thompson, George W. Refer to the reader as you, but not if it sounds accusatory or insulting. That makes their writing ambiguous. That doesn’t mean that you should put your letter in passive voice. This thesaurus offers plain language equivalents to medical terms, phrases, and references. Federal government. Plain language is useful for everyone, and crucial for users with language barriers and cognitive challenges. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Every thought can be expressed in many different ways and the variety comes from the individual way we approach an idea or. People think I can teach them style. ) written for the average reader. gov for more guidance on using plain language. I do think there’s an obligation to recognize that if your goal is to inform the. You achieve plain English when you use the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. gov. S. They’re coming together to discuss the plain language and cultural components of effectively. S. This book is as helpful as it is entertaining. Demand. 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. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. Writing and reference tools. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a plain language standard: ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. Some of that spilled over to Twitter: We also published this story in more accessible plain-language English, audio & Spanish. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Published: 2004. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Cost. Language allows us to communicate our ideas and thoughts. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. This is the 11th time the Center for Plain Language has issued a yearly Report Card evaluating how well agencies follow the Plain Writing Act. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. uses short sections and short sentences. You may be required to prepare a Plain Language Summary for a journal article submission, a grant application. When people understand what they read, they need fewer explanations and make fewer mistakes. Plain language is a way of writing that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. 3. ”. That makes their writing ambiguous. Resist the urge to sound formal. (the person, group or thing doing the action); (the action itself); and. ”. For example, the phrase “people who are incarcerated” is wordier but more representative and equitable than the term “inmates. Choose your words carefully. readability statistics. Plain language is a more complex version of English and baby talk. This article is structured as follows. Here are some style guides. In addition. 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. Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. Learn how to apply plain language principles and best practices to your VA website content, and find resources and tools to help you write for your audience. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. This comprehensive plain language writing guide includes a definition, when to use it, tips for using it, and 10 examples of how to write in plain language. Plain Language: Getting Started or Brushing Up. O. We at the Department of Health and Human Services are committed to writing all of our new documents in plain language, starting. Plain language summaries (PLS) are typically short synopses of peer-reviewed journal publications that simplify the complex. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. Steps to success 1. Testing your writing to make sure it’s clear to. 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. ”. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. To celebrate, we’re putting together a collection of 30 of the people who have kept the campaign thriving. 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 in Plain English. What is plain language? Nowadays, we have a (fairly) robust understanding of what makes writing readable. Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. Please feel free to use these terms in place of medical jargon, wherever you feel they might be better understood. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. 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. 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. See individual courses for textbook details. S. You should format your letter like the one shown in the guidebook. The report card evaluates these agencies on organizational compliance and writing quality. 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. Letters and notices. Use even more headings with less under each heading. Clear words benefit individuals who live with cognitive and learning disabilities, language impairments, memory impairments, and autism. 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. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. • 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). The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. In this 4-week online training, you will: complete 4 modules (1 module each week) be assigned to a small group. Identify their top tasks. 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. uses active voice. Legalese versus plain language by Peter Butt Legal English has traditionally been a special variety of English. When you communicate with the public and other partners, it is best practice to use Plain Language or “Plain Talk. Author: Barbro Ehrenberg-Sundin. Writing Plain Language for Law (PLNL510) Plain Language in Health Literacy (PLNL520) Technical Writing and Editing (TCOM120) Copy Editing (EDIT210) Learning materials. The active voice eliminates confusion by forcing you to name the actor in a sentence. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. agenda (unless you’re talking about a meeting) advancing; collaborate (use working with) combating (use working against or fighting) Plain language can be understood the first time it is read or heard. Plain language (or plain English) is an approach to writing that concentrates on the needs of your readers. 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. Why Use Plain Language? Download Why Use Plain Language? [PDF - 12. Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. clear or distinct to the eye or ear. 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. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Long, flowing sentences and the passive voice can occasionally be useful, but they shouldn’t have a large presence in your content. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. Many SAGE journals now accept PLS and some have made them mandatory for all. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. 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. The title, authors, affiliations, key points, keywords, text in tables (but not captions) and references are excluded from word counts. Top 10 Principles for Plain Language. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. We commit to write content that is easy to read and understand. – use that information. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. [2] Public service agencies have a role in informing the public about any requirements and entitlements that might apply to them. 4. How to Apply Plain Language Techniques in Technical Documents. (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. Plain Language Summaries (PLS) provide a summary of an article in non-technical, jargon-free language that is understandable to non-specialist audiences. They make fewer errors filling out forms. Complex and Abstract Words. T. The intended readership of plain language summaries can include patients, patient advocates, caregivers, members of the media, busy. Plain language also has the secondary benefit of potentially saving courts time and money. You’ll also develop a sensitivity to the issues of literacy and work toward. Write for your reader, not yourself. Effective plain language content means that the target audience can read, understand, and confidently act on the information in your content. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. We’re a nonprofit organization run entirely on a volunteer basis. 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. At [Agency Name], we are committed to writing in plain language and using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines: We have. The Working Group appointed 3 luminaries and stalwarts. It often needs an extra verb to make sense. Whether or not there is a government-wide mandate to use plain language as government leaders come and go, the initiative has taken hold. 1, with a range of 6. Our aim is to help make health information clear and easy to understand. [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. 1. Using plain language [3] helps agencies do this more. In the U. Plain language summaries (PLSs) have been introduced to communicate research in an understandable way to a nonexpert audience. During the 1970s, some practitioners began to employ usability testing. Plain language is clearer. The journal features the latest plain language research, practical advice, before-and-after examples, success stories, campaign strategies and much more. Federal Plain Language Guidelines. gov. plain language movement. Review plain language guidelines for using verbs, nouns, and pronouns. organized to serve the reader’s needs. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. The materials are similar in both. Our five-step checklist will guide you through the plain language process and help you develop content that’s right for your organization. It has 5 general areas to consider: audience and purpose, structure, design, expression, and. Apart from fractions, the slash has almost no good uses. 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). This timeline is an abbreviated and updated version of A History of Plain Language in the Government by Joanne Locke. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. § Plain language has evolved significantly over the past 75 years—from a focus on crafting clear sentences to creating effective multimedia, electronic, or paper communications. We hope you enjoy this post. These summaries are intended for a broad and inclusive audience that encompasses. It’s not simplified language; it’s direct language that doesn’t contain any flair or fluff. 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. Explain what plain language is and is not. 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 material available about plain language is. 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. It is also called plain English or plain writing. There will be two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. " Afrikaans Geskrewe kommunikasie is duidelik (in ‘’plain language’’) wanneer die teikengehoor die inligting wat hulle nodig het,. A discipline that might eventually become known as ‘plain language studies’ is beginning to emerge through the collaboration of individual plain language proponents (plainers for short). you get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way. Choose your words carefully. We hope you enjoy this post. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese, doublespeak, gibberish, gobbledygook, skotison. This group was and remains the center of the US movement for plain language. (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. Reference Oppenheimer, D. The purpose of a plain-language approach in written communication is to convey information easily and unambiguously. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. This can be hard in healthcare where medical terminology and acronyms prevail. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. 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. In Europe, it’s expected that plain language summaries will. O. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. Use language your audience understands and feels comfortable with. On June 1, 1998, President Clinton issued an executive memo. 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. Also called plain language . Looking aheadThe Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. While plain language became law for government agencies, it was also used across different industries to improve communication. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. Resources for using plain language. (2) WEBSITE. What is plain language? Plain language is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand communication. These principles are based on the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and tailored for regulations. Develop a strong plan that is also flexible. Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short. You may use any of the. Plain Language. 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 explicit permission. Pointing words. Plain Language Training Resources . ”. Plain language (also called Plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an online health literacy training for health professionals. USA. Plain language is a way of writing that makes the message easy to read, understand, and act upon by the intended audience. ”. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain language strategy #2: We make shorter. The first plain language regulation was a FCC regulation on operating ham radios. The Act does not cover regulations. One legal scholar calls abbreviations a “menace to prose” (Kimble, 2006). Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. All of these help users connect to the text and cue the user better than nouns do. People who benefit from plain language includes anyone with a disability that effects their reading ability. Download the 2021 Report Card. Plain language is a movement that started by simplifying unintelligible legal documents, and has now been embraced by governments and businesses around the world. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. When drafting a plain language text, there are 5 general areas to consider: 1. Share your thoughts and challenges. Write in the active voice. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. 5. 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. gov. What’s plain language? Plain language is a writing technique that prioritizes simple words and straightforward sentence structures. Plain language is a way of writing and presenting information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand by your intended audience. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. Overview. Use even more lists than on paper. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. By October 13 2011, we will use plain language in any new or substantially revised document that:. Relax and be natural (but not too informal). One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. Use lists. 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. The Plain Language Summary (PLS) should convey the same information as the Abstract but in a completely different language and tone. S. It offers. Half-day presentations. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. 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. Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Excellent use of all plain language principles. It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. Other areas where we see a push toward plain language include the sciences and the legal profession. Plain Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. gov. Be prepared to educate and learn along the way. Writing in Plain Language. We need trainers to help us provide plain language training to government agencies. Abbreviations were once intended to serve the audience by shortening long phrases. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. We must use plain language in any document that. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Posting PDF versions (PDFs) of original documents on your site would seem to be an obvious alternative to rewriting your content in web format. Plain language is information that readers can understand the first time they read it and use easily. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). Plain Language Summaries. Learn more about the government’s plain language standard and find a checklist to help you in your projects. Ask if one of our experienced trainers is available for your agency. These “Plain Language Summary for a Pro Se Litigant” sections have now made their way into First Step Act jurisprudence. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. In 2008, the two main international umbrella organizations (Clarity and PLAIN) and the Center for Plain Language in the United States set up a. 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. Plain language can be useful in an academic setting. uses short sections and short sentences. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. The Clarity Journal is distributed free to. 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. 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. It not only gives still-very-relevant lessons on why plain. 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. A word about “plain English. Describes why plain language is a promising strategy for clearly communicating health information and improving health literacy. Plain Language saves money, increases efficiency, and reduces the need for clarification. It is intended to make government communications. ”. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. In business, a message is only effective when it is understood. Join 1,990 Plain Language community members. Words to avoid. It is intended to make government communications. Writers of plain English let their. Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010,. Buffett from the SEC’s Plain English Handbook, 1998. The most recent example from U. Start by researching your topic, understanding your audience, and planning and organizing how you will present your information. ” Plain language style involves everyday words and. Plain Language. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Adopting plain language in the workplace is sometimes perceived as overly complicated or not really necessary. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (P. The law requires federal agencies to. Writing in plain English and legal writing have the same goal: communicating complex ideas in a digestible and manageable form. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Next, against the background of the. (b) the agency considers that the intended audience for the document is the public generally (rather than 1 or more. Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) brings together plain language supporters and practitioners from around the world. This book shows you how to write for customers and clients in language that's easy to understand. This guidance sets out the steps agencies should take to comply with the Plain Language Act 2022. This definition of plain language is ‘reader-based’ and not [a] ‘text-based’ analysis of a writing style. 2020-2021 Access for All: Plain Language is a Civil Right. In each section, you will find a number of cards you can flip through to learn. We’re accustomed to thinking and speaking positively. Stick to your topic. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. Use positive language. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. “And/or” is a classic example. 1. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. Agency programs and contacts. It is also called plain English or plain writing. Rather, by choosing straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures and by organizing and presenting your material. On the six cards below, learn. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. For other groups, such as people living with dementia, learning new terms is not. Take your audience’s current level of knowledge into account. Use Microsoft Word’s Readability Statistics feature—part of the Spelling & Grammar check—to measure your progress as you write and edit copy. Our Plain Language Partners. Readers call less often for explanations. The ability to communicate and explain research in plain language is a critical skill. This book has great real-world examples proving how plain language can save your organization money and time. 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. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. 7. We’ll use plenty of before-and-after examples. And best practices for a patient audience include keeping content between a 6. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. Minimize abbreviations. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. For more than forty years, I’ve studied the documents that public companies file. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. It has become so corrupted by misuse that it has no firm meaning. A common myth is that plain language is incompatible with teaching complex subjects. Actions are verbs. 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. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Many you have never heard before, and many you may have heard but don’t know their correct definition, spelling, or pronunciation. To provide an opportunity for public feedback, we created the CMS Plain Language . You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Take train-the-trainer bootcamp through plainlanguage. Plain language (also called Plain English or lay language) is communication that your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. ”A clear, simple summary written in plain language helps people to understand complex health evidence. In the past, Trump has. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents.