In business, a message is only effective when it is understood. 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. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Page 5. Thompson illustrates just how helpful they can be. By October 13 2011, we will use plain language in any new or substantially revised document that:. No. We continue to revise it every few. Using plain language [3] helps agencies do this more. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. Typically it is written at a 6th-8th grade reading level for the. Plain language is typically based on an eighth-grade reading level, as this ensures clarity and simplicity in communication. You should format your letter like the one shown in the guidebook. Excellent use of all plain language principles. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. Reports and brochures. That makes their writing ambiguous. uses active voice. WHAT IS PLAIN LANGUAGE? Plain language (also known as plain English) is a way of writing or presenting information so that readers can understand it quickly and easily. This three-hour online workshop by the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. [table striped="true" responsive="true"] Is the tone appropriate for the audience?Plain language is communication that is clear and easy to understand for your target audience, regardless of the medium used to deliver it. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. Plain language refers to clear communication that an audience can understand the first time they hear or read it. We’re a nonprofit organization run entirely on a volunteer basis. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. These principles are based on the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and tailored for regulations. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. plain language. Use plain language in any new or substantially revised document . 6. Relax and be natural (but not too informal). It . Use plainlanguage. In 2008, the two main international umbrella organizations (Clarity and PLAIN) and the Center for Plain Language in the United States set up a. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. You can see it in action right here! plain language. Abstract. 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. In 2021, the Civil Rights Division (CRT) provided Plain Language training both to the Civil Rights Division and to the Department at large. However, abbreviations have proliferated so much in government writing that they constantly require the reader to look back to earlier pages, or to consult an. Rule begins with a useful overview that orients the reader to this complex but well-organized material. Demand. 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 intended readership of plain language summaries can include patients, patient advocates, caregivers, members of the media, busy. gov explains how to write in plain language. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. Steps to success 1. -Governor Jay Inslee signed an Executive Order on Wednesday, Nov. You’ll also develop a sensitivity to the issues of literacy and work toward. Email plainwriting@nara. " SAMHSA. Language. gov. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. gov. Plain language is also known as clear language. There are millions of words in the English language. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. You can flip the cards. Once a sentence approaches 40 words, consider splitting it into two. Plain language summaries (PLSs) have been introduced to communicate research in an understandable way to a nonexpert audience. Find useful writing tips and fresh points of view from today’s plain language innovators. The active voice eliminates confusion by forcing you to name the actor in a sentence. These terms are not the only acceptable plain language alternatives for these vocabulary words. 1. choices at a 6th grade. Plain Language Resources. (link is external) Everyday Words for Public Health Communication. clear or distinct to the eye or ear. Prefer a simpler word whenever you can. 12866, E. The Office of the Federal Register provides excellent guidance on Drafting Legal Documents. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step toward political. As an author, you should. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. (If you’re writing for the web, here’s the web checklist . Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. 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. Published: 2004. The first rule of plain language is: write for your audience. Use plain words Don't use jargon or specialized language that your reader might not understand. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. 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. Choose your words carefully. The plain language summaries for completed projects have an average reading level of 8. ”. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Although. Fortunately, there is a concerted effort to help healthcare professionals incorporate plain language into their daily practice in both oral and written communication. Federal government. Use Plain Language instead of technical terms; Refer to the PRISM Readability Toolkit which contains information about the principles of Plain Language, and examples for improving readability. PLS concisely summarize technical content in simple, jargon-free language for ease of reading and improved understanding. In some situations, such as when you’re writing a Congressional letter or summarizing a regulation, you’ll sound more formal. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (P. This guidance sets out the steps agencies should take to comply with the Plain Language Act 2022. Accusatory use of you. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (P. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. The aim of a plain-language standard is to provide — for writers everywhere who are working on any type of document, from a letter to legislation — a tool with: The credibility of ISO, its 165 national-standards body members, and more than 22,500 standards. 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. We at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are committed to improving our service to you by writing in plain language. 1. Write for your reader, not yourself. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as:. Plain Language Summaries. to stand in plain view. Is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes. [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. Rep. Adopting plain language in the workplace is sometimes perceived as overly complicated or not really necessary. This handbook and Chairman Levitt’s whole drive to encourage “plain English” in disclosure documents, are good news for me. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. While plain language won’t solve every public health communication challenge, all health communications can be made more efective by communicating plainly. In this 4-week online training, you will: complete 4 modules (1 module each week) be assigned to a small group. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. That doesn’t mean that you should put your letter in passive voice. Other areas where we see a push toward plain language include the sciences and the legal profession. Through numerous exercises as well as examples from a variety of federal and state. Agencies earned grades between A and F for both organizational compliance. Right of use means any authorization under this part to use Outer Continental. 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. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. 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. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. 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. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. But in the process, he wasted at least 30 minutes of two senior executives’ time, not to mention subordinates’ and a consultant’s time. We commit to write content that is easy to read and understand. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. The Definitive Plain Language Writing Guide. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. • Participated in the Plain Language Community of Practice. organized to serve the reader’s needs. Many SAGE journals now accept PLS and some have made them mandatory for all. Here are some examples, both historical and current. Target an 8th - 9th grade reading level. The Working Group appointed 3 luminaries and stalwarts. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. 420. Plain language is personal. Writing in plain English and legal writing have the same goal: communicating complex ideas in a digestible and manageable form. This thesaurus offers plain language equivalents to medical terms, phrases, and references. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. 6. You may use any of the. What is plain language? Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily: – find what they need. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Keep in mind that the average U. They also didn't have a negative reaction to the simplified content. Ambiguous Wording Rewritten. Take train-the-trainer bootcamp through plainlanguage. (If you’re writing for the web, here’s the web checklist . A guide for plain language technical writing. Plain language is writing designed to be easily understood by all readers the first time it is read. The Plain Language Act applies to content in English that is intended for the general public. The first step is to implement an official plain language policy. Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) brings together plain language supporters and practitioners from around the world. Many you have never heard before, and many you may have heard but don’t know their correct definition, spelling, or pronunciation. 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. 3. Avoid Overly Complicated Language. At [Agency Name], we are committed to writing in plain language and using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines: We have. Use plain language. First, lawyers regularly misuse it to mean something other than “has a duty to. 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 Clarity Journal. Plain language has been around in the government for over 40 years. Word choice is an important part of. “Shall” has three strikes against it. 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). When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. Every thought can be expressed in many different ways and the variety comes from the individual way we approach an idea or. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. 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. People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand. This page describes how to write in plain language, in these areas: Replace verb-noun phrases and wordy phrases with more precise words; Choose the best word (synonym) with a thesaurus; Use pronouns correctly. A clear,. Chunked content: Don’t try to pack everything into long paragraphs. They want to scan, not read. ) Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. We’re accustomed to thinking and speaking positively. In most cases, writers mean either “or” or “and. Readers call less often for explanations. Plain language summaries (PLS) are typically short synopses of peer-reviewed journal publications that simplify the complex. Plain language is not. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and. Describe how writers should handle multiple audiences. 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. The Summit will begin at 10:00 am, ET, and conclude at 3:45 pm, ET. About 79% of users scan new pages they come across; only 16% read word-by-word. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. This glossary of terms is derived from a list copyrighted by the University of Kentucky. The ability to communicate and explain research in plain language is a critical skill. gov. Hold informal trainings such as brown bag lunches, one-on-one conversations, and phone calls. Use pronouns when you can. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. This incident shows what an unnecessary time-waster non-plain language can be. She was very small when she was born. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: . Cost. 4. Apart from fractions, the slash has almost no good uses. 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. Try to make your reading ease number go up and. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. In a user’s manual, people are trying to do tasks—actions. Antiquated words flourish words such as herein, therein,Plain language is a necessity and can have a big payoff for both consumers and organizations. Plain language is a way of writing so that more people can easily read and understand your content. Contact us if you have suggestions on ways to improve our documents or website. Meet other Canadians doing plain language work. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. Write in active voice. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Plain language looks at the whole message from the reader’s perspective, including wording, structure, and design elements. Federal employees speak. March 2011Revision 1, May 2011. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. In her literature review “ Plain Language in the U. Official description. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. Word choice is an important part of. Resources. Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. Plain language is universal. Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. This book is as helpful as it is entertaining. A Plain Language Summary (also referred to as a lay summary in some subject areas) communicates the significance of scholarly and scientific research evidence to wide audiences in clear, jargon-free language. We need trainers to help us provide plain language training to government agencies. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Great if you need to explain the importance of plain language to your boss. 01 Introduction. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Testing your content should be an integral part of your writing and planning process—not just something you just do after the fact. 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. Plain language is important in written and verbal communication. 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. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. Her parents think she recognizes a couple dozen signs. I do think there’s an obligation to recognize that if your goal is to inform the. 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. According to plainlanguage. The point is that the process is reversible. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. 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. ”. S. Write annual compliance reports and post these reports on its plain language web page. Communicating Research Intent and Value in NIH Applications. Plain language writing and design ensures information is concise, inclusive and easy to understand. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: “Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. Plain English writing style. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. The analysis outlined above is the first step before creating programs and platforms forA clear, simple summary written in plain language helps people to understand complex health evidence. Plain English is clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. Utilize technology tools. Resist the urge to sound formal. 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. 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. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. For other groups, such as people living with dementia, learning new terms is not. Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Do your research. Writing and reference tools. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. *You work through modules independently, but you must submit group. Use short lists and bullets to organize information. and compelling as any other type of language. Gains Momentum: 1940-2015,” Karen Schriver outlines the following: “Between 1940 and 1970, plain language focused mainly on readability. § 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. These summaries are intended for a broad and inclusive audience that encompasses. 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 makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. Governments at all levels, especially the federal government, are using plain language more extensively. 2020-2021 Access for All: Plain Language is a Civil Right. We all do! From language learners to advanced readers, everyone benefits from plain language. Read more to see how plain language can be as . They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. S. What is plain language? Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. In fact, legalese makes lawyers’ writings so incomprehensible that the US Congress regularly introduces ‘plain language’ Bills to regulate them. The journal features the latest plain language research, practical advice, before-and-after examples, success stories, campaign strategies and much more. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. 1. Plain language does not mean simplifying or dumbing down. According to the government's Plain Language. M. Buffett from the SEC’s Plain English Handbook, 1998. The public is beginning to see the difference plain, clear writing can make. Online Plain Language Training. PLAIN is dedicated to helping federal agencies train their staff to communicate clearly and develop their own plain language programs. In either case, court staff may spend time explaining theAbstract. In Europe, it’s expected that plain language summaries will. You may use any of the content on this site without. Principle 1: Use Active Voice. 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. Write for your reader, not yourself. ”. It helps Veterans and their families access and use VA services and benefits. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. 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. 8 to 8. Using Plain language: In general, keep language. Keep it Short. $75 program application fee. It offers. Your main goal is to convey your ideas with the greatest possible clarity. There will be two sessions each day. You may use any of the. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese,. has useful headings. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Write in a conversational tone. You may be required to prepare a Plain Language Summary for a journal article submission, a grant application. Plain language engages users best, helping them fulfill their purpose for visiting your site. 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. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. In short, you should always aim for clarity, readability, and brevity. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Plain Writing Act of 2010. gov. Wednesday, August 24, 2022 10:30 AM – 3:45 PM ET. 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. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. She has trouble seeing, hearing, eating, and sleeping. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. The Plain Language and Multilingual communities share a goal of achieving more effective communication. Yes, you did. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. The Clarity Journal is distributed free to. 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. This. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. It’s not simplified language; it’s direct language that doesn’t contain any flair or fluff. No. President Clinton was an advocate and signed two executive orders and issued a Memorandum on Plain Language in Government Writing. Writing in Plain Language. Plain. ) written for the average reader. This construction makes clear to the reader who is to. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. And best practices for a patient audience include keeping content between a 6. Bush’s former Secretary of Health and Human Services, has this to say about plain language and the federal plain language group. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. 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. What are Plain Language Summaries (PLS)? PLS sit after the academic abstract. —The plain writing section described under paragraph (1)(E) shall— (A) inform the public of agency compliance with the requirements of this Act; and (B) provide a mechanism for the agency to receive and respond to public input on— (i) agency implementation of this Act; and (ii) the agency reports required under section 5. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. President Clinton wrote, “By using plain language, we send a clear message about what the government is doing, what it requires, and what service it offers…Plain language documents have logical organization; common, everyday words, except for necessaryPlain language is writing that the intended audience can understand and act upon the first time they read it. In the U. Hosted by Digital. The legal community is moving to a strong preference for “must” as the clearest way to express a requirement or obligation. ” A plain language summary (PLS) summarizes a scientific study and its results to help people without scientific expertise, or from another. The American Bar Association passed this resolution advising federal agencies to write regulations in 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. Think through the questions your users likely have and then organize the material in a logical order. Plain Language. Short Definition of Plain Language. It is communication your audience can understand the first time they encounter it. Plain Language is nothing more than the using clear, familiar language that a range of people can understand. Words matter. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Author: Londell Buckson. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. This chapter will introduce you to the principles of plain language and allow you to practise them. Plain language is clear, concise, and easily understood the first time someone reads or hears it. Sign up for our weekly health literacy updates. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. By using words in.