Thanks to internet sorcery, we can even take advantage of free tools to quickly gauge the reading level of our writing. Writing that is legible and well-organized is far easier to understand than more traditional styles. Words matter. 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. Be prepared to educate and learn along the way. We aim to bring you timely information about the work of CDC and other organizations to improve health literacy. Communicating Research Intent and Value in NIH Applications. The bigger the block of text, the harder it is to read. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. 12866, E. § 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. uses active voice. Businesses such as banks, insurance companies, law firms, legal services and IT companies use plain language to communicate with customers. O. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public. These summaries are intended for a broad and inclusive audience that encompasses. Plain-language summary (PLS) is a synopsis of research findings written in an easily understandable way, so that even lay audience would grasp the content. ”. It should summarize your scientific study, its results, and their broader relevance without using jargon so that it is understandable by scientists from outside of your discipline, as well as science journalists. Your main goal is to convey your ideas with the greatest possible clarity. Historical Quotes. (link is external) Everyday Words for Public Health Communication. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. Share your thoughts and challenges. Here are some examples, both historical and current. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and. has useful headings. The plain language definition states, at its core, that plain language is easily and quickly understandable. Many famous writers, politicians, and others have commented over the centuries on the importance of writing clearly and briefly. both plain language and coded language in the same transmission, causing confusion. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. It is also called plain English or plain writing. Consequences of erudite vernacular utilized. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. plain language movement. By using words in. Then, agencies will simplify and review the content on a regular basis to ensure these documents follow plain language writing and design. 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. Plain language is the key to effective communication, allowing you to get the most important information to the right people as clearly and as effectively as possible. Plain Language Resources. 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. § Research tells us that most readability formulas are. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Jargon Madness is a plain language conversation starter that cuts across the organizational chart. The law requires federal agencies to. • Developed a Plain Language Matrix to document related tasks and steps to begin operationalizing our plain language. Just because someone can read instructions written at a grade 14 level doesn’t mean they. Specifically, writing in plain language increases the ability for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities to access your programming. Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Language. On June 1, 1998, President Clinton issued an executive memo. Plain language is a more complex version of English and baby talk. After. These “Plain Language Summary for a Pro Se Litigant” sections have now made their way into First Step Act jurisprudence. 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. Right of use means any authorization issued under this part that allows use of Outer Continental Shelf lands. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. Complex topics can be clearly communicated with plain language without losing substance. The state Department of Health’s Center for Public Affairs has developed resources to help you effectively. Learn the definition, guidelines, purposes, and examples of plain language. Plain language discharge letters written for real patients in the context of experience-based learning improved in quality, providing students with skills to work effectively in an environment where poor health literacy is prevalent. 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). Use lists. Bush’s former Secretary of Health and Human Services, has this to say about plain language and the federal plain language group. (a) the document is in English (but see subsection (3) and section 15 ); and. Use positive language. Before FCC issued the regulation, there were five staff members answering public calls and letters with questions about the FCC’s requirements for operating ham radios. Online Plain Language Training. [9] For instance, the Plain Writing Act 2010 requires US federal agencies to use simple English in their documents so that they can be understood by everyone. " SAMHSA. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. 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. Legal Writing Institute Awards: Joe Kimble is chair of the Outreach Committee for the Legal Writing Institute’s Golden Pen Award. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Plain language is clear, concise, and easily understood the first time someone reads or hears it. Gains Momentum by Karen A. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. S. Agency programs and contacts. Plain and simple. The active voice eliminates confusion by forcing you to name the actor in a sentence. Actions are verbs. Let’s look at two. Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. We have edited this list. Published: 2004. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. Plain language is a way of writing so that more people can easily read and understand your content. The first task for ISO’s plain language Working Group was to complete the Experts’ Draft and to adopt it as Draft 1. ”4. She has trouble seeing, hearing, eating, and sleeping. ”. Start by researching your topic, understanding your audience, and planning and organizing how you will present your information. Longer papers are assessed an excess length fee. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Plain Language in Government Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide shows you how to apply federal plain-language guidelines to every type of writing — from emails, memos, and letters to agency communications, technical procedures, and budget justification statements. Our five-step checklist will guide you through the plain language process and help you develop content that’s right for your organization. If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. Our first guest is Lynda Harris from New Zealand. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese,. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. Plain Writing and Clear Communications. It offers. Good web content uses: The inverted pyramid style: Begin with the shortest and clearest statement you can make about your topic. Resources. What is plain language? Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily: – find what they need. When users do not understand court forms, they either complete the forms incorrectly or call the court for more information. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. Plain language works with. Rep. The credibility of being developed with input and support from many plain-language. Plain language helps you better understand your audience and how your audience uses the content you create. 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 great deal of research connected to the Center for Civic Design has well established the design/plain language relationship through effective voting ballots. Plain language also has the secondary benefit of potentially saving courts time and money. Award winners. How to Apply Plain Language Techniques in Technical Documents. The law requires federal agencies to. The English language allows many ways to. (2006). It helps Veterans and their families access and use VA services and benefits. It makes writing easy to read for more people. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. Plain language (or plain English) is an approach to writing that concentrates on the needs of your readers. 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. Federal employees speak. Our growing network includes members from over 30 countries working in clear communication in at least 15 languages. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. 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. All of these help users connect to the text and cue the user better than nouns do. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to train staff to use plain language when they communicate with. First, lawyers regularly misuse it to mean something other than “has a duty to. When drafting a plain language text, there are 5 general areas to consider: 1. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. Plain Language Act’s Objectives. The legal community is moving to a strong preference for “must” as the clearest way to express a requirement or obligation. Plain Language. That makes their writing ambiguous. Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. State your major point(s) first before going into details. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. (Active)Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. – understand what they find. We’ll train your managers as well. Sign up for our weekly health literacy updates. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. ”. Virtual Event, 13 October 2020. ”. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. 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 the past, Trump has. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. 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. The IRB has compiled a document entitled Consent Library which includes Plain Language descriptions of procedures and corresponding risk information. The public can contact CMS and send comments about our plain writing efforts via the . PLAIN LANGUAGE •Kyra is autistic and deaf. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. 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. 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. 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. Help the reader understand the order in which things happen. Email plainwriting@nara. In fact, legalese makes lawyers’ writings so incomprehensible that the US Congress regularly introduces ‘plain language’ Bills to regulate them. 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. This is crucial. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. Plain Language in Spoken Communication. It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. gov. We at the Department of Health and Human Services are committed to writing all of our new documents in plain language, starting. to explain the importance of the Plain Writing Act and outline CMS’ commitment to full compliance with the Act. 5. Federal government. “Mike’s talking about a two-step approach with some good language attached to the CR,” Jordan said. gov explains how to write in plain language. Resources. gov. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. Agencies earned grades between A and F for both. Plain language is clear language. 8-11-2020 workshop and 9-10-2020 workshop. The American public deserves plain language communication from its government, and it’s the law. (Active) The police stopped the riot. They point to an antecedent. Handbooks and manuals. “And/or” is a classic example. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Steps to success 1. Schriver. Learning. 15, to require state agencies to adopt a plain language policy to ensure that information is easy to understand and. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. Some of that spilled over to Twitter: We also published this story in more accessible plain-language English, audio & Spanish. *You work through modules independently, but you must submit group. Understanding what users are trying to do when visiting your website or reading your communications will help you write clearly and focus on their needs. Short Definition of Plain Language. Unfortunately, posting too many PDFs can work against your goal of retaining users. Many you have never heard before, and many you may have heard but don’t know their correct definition, spelling, or pronunciation. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. In her literature review “ Plain Language in the U. Plain language Definitions "A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. Plain language myths. Thompson illustrates just how helpful they can be. Use plain language in any new or substantially revised document . -Governor Jay Inslee signed an Executive Order on Wednesday, Nov. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve communication and takes less time to read and understand. This group was and remains the center of the US movement for plain language. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. Our trainers are federal employees from across. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. Replacing complex words with simpler words whenever possible lets your readers concentrate on your ideas and information. Bibliographic resources about health literacy. Several months after FCC issued the regulation, the questions had fallen off so far that all. Put the most important information at the top and the background at the bottom. PLAIN has been connecting plain language people for 30 years now. 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. Write for your reader, not yourself. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (P. As an author, you should. Hosted by Digital. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. We need trainers to help us provide plain language training to government agencies. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. feedback form posted on the page. 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. The bill would create plain language requirements including:Tuesday, October 27, 2020 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM ET. These terms are not the only acceptable plain language alternatives for these vocabulary words. The materials are similar in both. Once a sentence approaches 40 words, consider splitting it into two. Letters and notices. The resource Plain language online notes that a “crucial feature of plain language is testing the writing to determine whether it adequately conveys to the targeted reader the writer’s intentions. Find out the benefits of plain language for different audiences and purposes, and explore the sources and resources on plain language from various. Source: International Plain Language Federation. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. “Shall” has three strikes against it. 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 Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. In the U. Apocrypha. A guide for plain language technical writing. 6. Visit plainlanguage. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. Start by researching your topic, understanding your audience, and planning and organizing how you will present your information. Buffett from the SEC’s Plain English Handbook, 1998. About 79% of users scan new pages they come across; only 16% read word-by-word. Beginning in 2022, Pfizer will be disclosing the results of all global clinical trials—phases 1 through 4—in plain language. 2. Resist the urge to sound formal. It’s not just about the words you choose, but your overall ability to. It is communication your audience can understand the first time they encounter it. 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. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. Contains guidelines for creating plain language materials, as well as an overview of the plain language movement and tools for trainers. The purpose of a plain-language approach in written communication is to convey information easily and unambiguously. Our five-step checklist will guide you through the plain language process and help you develop content that’s right for your organization. Page 5. You may use any of the. In short, you should always aim for clarity, readability, and brevity. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. Trump also intends to circumvent the 14th Amendment so that he can end birthright citizenship for the children of unauthorized immigrants. The point is that the process is reversible. 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. This page last reviewed on. 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. The purpose of a pla in-lan guage approach in written communications is to convey. Use language your audience understands and feels comfortable with. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Don’t use slashes. Learn how they used plain language in COVID-19 agency responses, and how they combined plain language, accessibility, and user experience. Every organization has long-term employees who’ve worked in government for decades. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. One legal scholar calls abbreviations a “menace to prose” (Kimble, 2006). Testing your content should be an integral part of your writing and planning process—not just something you just do after the fact. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper. You may use any of the. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Next, against the background of the. For more than forty years, I’ve studied the documents that public companies file. In 2008, the two main international umbrella organizations (Clarity and PLAIN) and the Center for Plain Language in the United States set up a. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. Try to make your reading ease number go up and. Sometimes verb phrases would make good headings for procedural sections of rules. Ambiguous Wording Rewritten. Virtual International plain language conference (2020) – Access for all : Plain Language is a Civil Right – Part 1. reading level or below. As the starting point and at every point, design and write the document in a way that best serves the reader. 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. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. uses active voice. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. There are millions of words in the English language. Think about how well your communications support people in getting things done. Instead, put the emphasis on the agency by using “we”. View these before and after examples to see how the National Archives is. ” Writing in plain. In some situations, such as when you’re writing a Congressional letter or summarizing a regulation, you’ll sound more formal. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents. O. gov. You can see it in action right here! plain language. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. ) places. Excellent use of all plain language principles. 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 intended to make government communications. • Met with representatives from other agencies to discuss plain language procedures and best practices. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. ”. USA. Plain-language documents are accessible and present information in a way that is easy to absorb. S. Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short. The American Bar Association passed this resolution advising federal agencies to write regulations in plain language. PLAIN is joining together with Clarity International and the Center for Plain Language to co-host an international online conference with 2 exciting events. Find out about the Plain. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010,. Join the national plain language movement. Before and after. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. 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. 1. 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. ” The phrase certainly shouldn’t connote drab and dreary language. Download the 2021 Report Card. What is plain language? Plain language is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand communication. 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. To provide an opportunity for public feedback, we created the CMS Plain Language . For this 10th anniversary, we evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. Plain language is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and completely as possible. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. “It’s not easily understood. 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. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly as possible so it can reach as many people as possible. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. 8 to 8. In each section, you will find a number of cards you can flip through to learn. Readers call less often for explanations. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (PWA) [2] and Executive Order 13,563 [3] require agencies to use plain language in various public-facing documents. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. Complex and Abstract Words. Plain Language &. Links. The first plain language regulation was a FCC regulation on operating ham radios. Governments at all levels, especially the federal government, are using plain language more extensively. You can see it in action right here! Click the text next to each paragraph to read it in plain language. We will explore five stories or themes that show how plain language can increase access. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. You know what you are trying to say – make sure the reader does, too. Any paragraph that can be broken up into shorter paragraphs (or into other elements) makes your message more effective. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. Too many complex words are like hurdles in a race, barriers to understanding which slows readers down. 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. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Contact us if you have suggestions on ways to improve our documents or website. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. Plain language is typically based on an eighth-grade reading level, as this ensures clarity and simplicity in communication. Identify their top tasks. conveying the meaning clearly and simply; easily understood. You’ll also develop a sensitivity to the issues of literacy and work toward. It might be science journalists, healthcare practitioners, academic professionals, policymakers or the general public; they need to understand and engage with the research. You can see how shorter paragraphs improve your readability score. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Maintained Plain Language intranet and internet webpages. They want to scan, not read. Typically it is written at a 6th-8th grade reading level for the. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. gov. 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. They’re coming together to discuss the plain language and cultural components of effectively. 54 MB, 34 pages) from Laura Rabuck’s 2022 Federal Plain Language Summit presentation. Testing Your Document’s Readability. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. It has become so corrupted by misuse that it has no firm meaning. This book has great real-world examples proving how plain language can save your organization money and time. ” Plain Talk makes it easier for people to read, understand, and use your communications or educational materials. Rule begins with a useful overview that orients the reader to this complex but well-organized material.