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. Learn more about the government’s plain language standard and find a checklist to help you in your projects. 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. Tuesday, August 11, 2020 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. 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. Words matter. 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 a way of writing that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. 1 This tool aims to support a systematic review of your material. The Definitive Plain Language Writing Guide. You should format your letter like the one shown in the guidebook. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. 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. If in Microsoft Word, a. ”A clear, simple summary written in plain language helps people to understand complex health evidence. We offer free, half-day training classes for federal agencies. 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. 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. (1) In this Act, a document for which a reporting agency is responsible is a relevant document if—. PLAIN LANGUAGE definition: language that is clear and easy to understand , with no ambiguity or unnecessarily. The report card evaluates these agencies on organizational compliance and writing quality. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. 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. 6 MB] Our readers are busy. What is plain language? Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily: – find what they need. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. Any paragraph that can be broken up into shorter paragraphs (or into other elements) makes your message more effective. Mysterious in form and expression, it is larded with law-Latin and Norman-French, heavily dependent on the past, and unashamedly archaic. What federal law requires of us We must use plain language so you can understand: Our benefits and services and how to get them How to file taxes when you receive our benefits or services How to comply with our. 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. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. Plain Language is nothing more than the using clear, familiar language that a range of people can understand. It is a thorough companion to the writing process, with comprehensive guidance and advice on understanding your readers, planning and creating your text, and presenting your words. Plain language does not mean simplifying or dumbing down. The state Department of Health’s Center for Public Affairs has developed resources to help you effectively. 1 Using plain language enables you to connect directly and clearly with all audiences - from research participants, to the general public, to research colleagues. Write it into contracts to require any vendors and contractors to follow the plain language, people-first style. 15, to require state agencies to adopt a plain language policy to ensure that information is easy to understand and. and compelling as any other type of language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate clearly. 2 Crafting your materials with plain language principles. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. Because they use short sentences and common words, plain-language documents allow every member of the audience to understand the piece in a single read. Plain language is typically based on an eighth-grade reading level, as this ensures clarity and simplicity in communication. We’re a nonprofit organization run entirely on a volunteer basis. It’s especially important in letters to engage the reader by using pronouns. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. Plain Language Summaries (PLS) provide a summary of an article in non-technical, jargon-free language that is understandable to non-specialist audiences. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. Plain Language Training Resources . 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, 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. O. 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. In business, a message is only effective when it is understood. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examplesPlain language is the best option, because it gets your message across in the most efficient way possible. Writing in Plain Language . 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. Before. The Act does not cover regulations. Plain Language &. Beginning in 2022, Pfizer will be disclosing the results of all global clinical trials—phases 1 through 4—in plain language. Tommy Thompson, George W. They want to scan, not read. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Refer to the reader as you, but not if it sounds accusatory or insulting. Longer papers are assessed an excess length fee. U. It helps us write for people who read at all levels of time, interest, education and. [4] Plain writing, as defined by the PWA, is “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. Write in active voice. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. For more than forty years, I’ve studied the documents that public companies file. This website consists of five sections and a checklist you can print. You’ll also develop a sensitivity to the issues of literacy and work toward. 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. Abbreviations were once intended to serve the audience by shortening long phrases. This thesaurus offers plain language equivalents to medical terms, phrases, and references that we often use. About 79% of users scan new pages they come across; only 16% read word-by-word. gov. Top 10 Principles for Plain Language. And there’s some indication the very first mention of plain language dates back as far as. . Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. On August 24, 2022, the Plain Language Community of Practice (CoP) will bring together federal employees to highlight plain language successes in many federal agencies at all stages of the communications journey. There is no one ‘right’ way to express an idea. Plain language (also called Plain English or lay language) is communication that your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. 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). We hope you enjoy this post. This guidance sets out the steps agencies should take to comply with the Plain Language Act 2022. Easy to read, easy to understand and easy to use, plain language—plain English— lands your organization in the users’ world. Learn what plain language is and how to write in plain language with best practices and examples. gov for more guidance on using plain language. Legal Writing Institute Awards: Joe Kimble is chair of the Outreach Committee for the Legal Writing Institute’s Golden Pen Award. The U. In her literature review “ Plain Language in the U. (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. Contact us if you have suggestions on ways to improve our documents or website. If your customers don’t understand your documents, you. Governments at all levels, especially the federal government, are using plain language more extensively. First, lawyers regularly misuse it to mean something other than “has a duty to. Learn how they used plain language in COVID-19 agency responses, and how they combined plain language, accessibility, and user experience. has useful headings. Apparently, the headquarters writer was trying to impress people with his so-called knowledge of economics terminology. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. We need trainers to help us provide plain language training to government agencies. In Australia, plain language has become a commercial success. Before and after. 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. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. Write annual compliance reports and post these reports on its plain language web page. Federal Plain Language Guidelines. We evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. Some of that spilled over to Twitter: We also published this story in more accessible plain-language English, audio & Spanish. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Our trainers are federal employees from across. Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. Plain Writing Act of 2010. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a plain language standard: ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. ”. Plain language (also called Plain English or lay language) is communication that your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. “And/or” is a classic example. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. Testing your content should be an integral part of your writing and planning process—not just something you just do after the fact. English is the richest language, often having five words for a concept, while many have two. Next, against the background of the. (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. 7. Plain Language in Plain English. to make one's meaning plain. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. Antiquated words flourish words such as herein, therein,Plain language is a necessity and can have a big payoff for both consumers and organizations. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: . The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Try to make your reading ease number go up and. Plain Language has been a stylistic goal for all Federal Government communication since at least 2010, with passage of the The Plain Language Act. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. Word choice is an important part of. " SAMHSA. Historical Quotes. ”. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. gov. 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. ) written for the average reader. What is Plain Language? Importance of Plain. Great if you need to explain the importance of plain language to your boss. Write for your reader, not yourself. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. Plain language summaries (PLS) are summaries of scientific articles and congress abstracts written in easy-to-read, non-technical language . Effective plain language content means that the target audience can read, understand, and confidently act on the information in your content. By using plain language, you increase the likelihood someone will understand your messaging. Don’t use slashes. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Plain language is clear, concise, organized, and appropriate for the intended audience. Agency programs and contacts. Plain language avoids unnecessarily complicated or obtuse technical language in favor. Find out the benefits of plain language for different audiences and purposes, and explore the sources and resources on plain language from various. Avoid PDF overload. 4. ”. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. ”. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. X: X: X: X: X 40 CFR part 40 Subpart E — Procedures for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing: Uses some plain language principles, but still suffers from some long sections and sentences. Additional plain language history is covered in Plain Language in the U. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Language allows us to communicate our ideas and thoughts. 2. (2) WEBSITE. Bush’s former Secretary of Health and Human Services, has this to say about plain language and the federal plain language group. Split topics up into logical sections separated by informative. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Find Canadian and international resources. Communicating Research Intent and Value in NIH Applications. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. ” The phrase certainly shouldn’t connote drab and dreary language. These terms are not the only acceptable plain language alternatives for these vocabulary words. Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. Audience and purpose. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. What are Plain Language Summaries (PLS)? PLS sit after the academic abstract. PLAIN LANGUAGE •Kyra is autistic and deaf. In Conclusion. 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. means you are communicating with your audience in a way . Plain language engages users best, helping them fulfill their purpose for visiting your site. 2020-2021 Access for All: Plain Language is a Civil Right. These new website pages apply the task-focused approach and Plain Writing guidelines to encourage skimming, scanning, and selecting. Plain language can be useful in an academic setting. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Plain language also has the secondary benefit of potentially saving courts time and money. Prefer a simpler word whenever you can. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. He includes the following words in. The first step is to implement an official plain language policy. S. She has trouble seeing, hearing, eating, and sleeping. 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. Some have endings such as -ment, -tion, -sion, and -ance or link. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. , the Plain Writing Act of 2010 took effect in October 2011 (see below). For other groups, such as people living with dementia, learning new terms is not. 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. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. In the past, Trump has. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. ”the Plain Language Movement, legal language, and rhetoric, and 3. Content types. By the mid-1980s, there was a widespread sense that plain-language advocates. Select the most appropriate. , and Nielsen, J. What stuff it all is!Help your readers quickly find what they need with these web writing tips: Less is more! Be concise. The material available about plain language is. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. You should format your letter like the one shown in the guidebook. Plain language is also known as clear language. 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 opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese, doublespeak, gibberish, gobbledygook, skotison. 10 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. They make fewer errors filling out forms. PLS concisely summarize technical content in simple, jargon-free language for ease of reading and improved understanding. Plain language is a way of writing so that more people can easily read and understand your content. The English language allows many ways to. Thanks to internet sorcery, we can even take advantage of free tools to quickly gauge the reading level of our writing. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language is personal. Plain language writing and design ensures information is concise, inclusive and easy to understand. We at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are committed to improving our service to you by writing in plain language. Use plain language. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Links. [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. Documents that must use plain language. But in the process, he wasted at least 30 minutes of two senior executives’ time, not to mention subordinates’ and a consultant’s time. Plain language is universal. 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. Write in the active voice. Rather, by choosing straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures and by organizing and presenting your material. Specifically, writing in plain language increases the ability for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities to access your programming. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. is Peter (he is doing the watching); We will consider this matter shortly. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. Plain language is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and completely as possible. Regulations. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Plain language is one of our best tools for improving scientific literacy and encouraging wise decision-making by the public on science-based issues. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. Describe how writers should handle multiple audiences. This book is as helpful as it is entertaining. The journal features the latest plain language research, practical advice, before-and-after examples, success stories, campaign strategies and much more. Why Use Plain Language? Download Why Use Plain Language? [PDF - 12. For the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card, the judges focused on the main Coronavirus pages and the main Freedom of. On the six cards below, learn. You must have at least 20 participants. Andy Biggs of Arizona, a hardline. The title, authors, affiliations, key points, keywords, text in tables (but not captions) and references are excluded from word counts. Your Reader is a Person. (link is external) Everyday Words for Public Health Communication. 1. Additionally, Guiding Principles recommends the use of plain language principles along with the use of health equity concepts and the language necessary to accurately and equitably represent all people. We at the Department of Health and Human Services are committed to writing all of our new documents in plain language, starting. webpage . gov. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. It has 5 general areas to consider: audience and purpose, structure, design, expression, and. You may use any of the content on this site without. Readers call less often for explanations. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. It is also called plain English or plain writing. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The USDA plain language coordinators can be found by contacting us via plainlanguage@usda. By October 13 2011, we will use plain language in any new or substantially revised document that:. Plain language is important in written and verbal communication. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Readers call less often for explanations. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. 3. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. conveying the meaning clearly and simply; easily understood. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. 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. The public can contact CMS and send comments about our plain writing efforts via the . Yes, you did. to stand in plain view. Email plainwriting@nara. Plain-language research also necessarily intersects with design (Mazur, 2000). Use even more headings with less under each heading. But they don’t want to take the time to decide which they mean, so they push the job off on the audience. We continue toOLYMPIA, Wash. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 promotes clear government communication that the public can 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. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. Before you even begin the writing process, take a step back and make sure you’re aware of what message. Plain language is a way of writing and presenting information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. A Plain Language Summary is an incredibly effective science communication tool that allows researchers to reach a wider audience by summarizing their work in terms that are accessible to people outside of a specific scientific circle. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. ETGAR may serve as a model for learning written communication skills during clinical years, using the. 5. Our aim is to help make health information clear and easy to understand. Then, agencies will simplify and review the content on a regular basis to ensure these documents follow plain language writing and design. “And/or” is a classic example. Half-day presentations. The Summit will begin at 10:00 am, ET, and conclude at 3:45 pm, ET. Start by researching your topic, understanding your audience, and planning and organizing how you will present your information. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. Principle 1: Use Active Voice. Gains Momentum by Karen A. Too often, I’ve been unable to decipher just what is. The American public deserves plain language communication from its government, and it’s the law. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Consider your audience. And best practices for a patient audience include keeping content between a 6. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. plain talk. Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Share your thoughts and challenges. 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. 5. Read more to see how plain language can be as . It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. As a communication strategy, it can save time, money, and effort. 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. [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. 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. 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. This handbook and Chairman Levitt’s whole drive to encourage “plain English” in disclosure documents, are good news for me. Use plain language. Posting PDF versions (PDFs) of original documents on your site would seem to be an obvious alternative to rewriting your content in web format. Pointing words. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. ”The legal community is moving to a strong preference for “must” as the clearest way to express a requirement or obligation. Abstract. Bibliographic resources about health literacy. ”. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents. Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010,. Resources. Explain the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. ”. ) Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. Here are some examples of how using plain language can help clear up clarity problems caused by ambiguous wording. That makes their writing ambiguous. This book shows you how to write for customers and clients in language that's easy to understand. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. It is not baby talk, nor is it a simplified version of the English language. Here are some style guides. These summaries are intended for a broad and inclusive audience that encompasses. This award recognizes people who. Executive Order 23-02 directs agencies to prioritize their most-viewed, public-facing materials. Plain Language Act 2022: Guidance for agencies — Te Kawa Mataaho. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. “Shall” has three strikes against it. That makes their writing ambiguous. Other areas where we see a push toward plain language include the sciences and the legal profession. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.