March 2011Revision 1, May 2011. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. 1. You may use any of the. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. A plain language summary exploring a new treatment combination for untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: enfortumab vedotin plus. ) Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. Plain Language in Sweden, the Results After 30 Years. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). (b) the agency considers that the intended audience for the document is the public generally (rather than 1 or more. This handbook and Chairman Levitt’s whole drive to encourage “plain English” in disclosure documents, are good news for me. It saves people and government time and money and improves the accessibility of your content. CDC’s work aligns with the goals and strategies of the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy, CDC’s Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy and the federal Plain Writing Act. S. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. to stand in plain view. They want to scan, not read. Some of that spilled over to Twitter: We also published this story in more accessible plain-language English, audio & Spanish. This book is as helpful as it is entertaining. Every thought can be expressed in many different ways and the variety comes from the individual way we approach an idea or. These principles are based on the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and tailored for regulations. 12866, E. Before. Award winners. Ambiguous Wording Rewritten. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: . 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. Use even shorter paragraphs than on paper. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. The Clarity Journal is distributed free to. Effective plain language content means that the target audience can read, understand, and confidently act on the information in your content. You can also watch the 28-minute, 13-second video on YouTube. As the starting point and at every point, design and write the document in a way that best serves the reader. Replace verb-noun phrases and wordy phrases with more precise words. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step toward political. Demand. Plain language is clear, concise, and easily understood the first time someone reads or hears 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. It’s especially important in letters to engage the reader by using pronouns. Half-day presentations. 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. organized to serve the reader’s needs. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly as possible so it can reach as many people as possible. Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please, Joseph Kimble, 2012. What is plain language? Communication with clear wording, structure, and design for the intended audience to easily: – find what they need. View the Jargon Madness slides (PowerPoint presentation, 1. It is. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 promotes clear government communication that the public can understand and use. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 into law on. 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. Good web content uses: The inverted pyramid style: Begin with the shortest and clearest statement you can make about your topic. (1) In this Act, a document for which a reporting agency is responsible is a relevant document if—. 10 Tips to Write in Plain Language. Plain Language WebsiteUsing Plain Language makes it easier for the reader to accurately interpret your message. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). Email plainwriting@nara. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. feedback form posted on the page. 6 MB] Our readers are busy. Preface by Warren E. It not only gives still-very-relevant lessons on why plain. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. This three-hour online workshop by the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. You can see it in action right here! plain language. You may use any of the content on this site without. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. Help the reader understand the order in which things happen. (Active) The police stopped the riot. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English. 12988, and. ”. Break documents into separate topics. The loosely organized campaign to encourage legal writers and business writers to write clearly and concisely – without legalese – while preserving. Indeed, scientific information conveyed in plain language invariable reaches. § 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. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (P. 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. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. In short, you should always aim for clarity, readability, and brevity. The Nielsen Norman Group has done multiple studies on PDFs and has consistently found. They make fewer errors filling out forms. Lists highlight a series of steps, requirements, or pieces of information in a visually clear way. By October 13 2011, we will use plain language in any new or substantially revised document that:. Plain language is one of our best tools for improving scientific literacy and encouraging wise decision-making by the public on science-based issues. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. We commit to write content that is easy to read and understand. In addition. 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. Using Plain Language. While plain language became law for government agencies, it was also used across different industries to improve communication. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Start by researching your topic, understanding your audience, and planning and organizing how you will present your information. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. A great deal of research connected to the Center for Civic Design has well established the design/plain language relationship through effective voting ballots. both plain language and coded language in the same transmission, causing confusion. PLAIN is dedicated to helping federal agencies train their staff to communicate clearly and develop their own plain language programs. • the importance of using plain language; • best practices and helpful tips; • leadership’s interest in and support of plain writing; and • training opportunities (within and outside of the Department). It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. The first plain language regulation was a FCC regulation on operating ham radios. A clear,. has useful headings. 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. Letters and notices. How to Apply Plain Language Techniques in Technical Documents. Plain language has been around in the government for over 40 years. In either case, court staff may spend time explaining theAbstract. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. The second event will take place May 11-13, 2021 . If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. At [Agency Name], we are committed to writing in plain language and using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines: We have. ”A clear, simple summary written in plain language helps people to understand complex health evidence. 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. Mysterious in form and expression, it is larded with law-Latin and Norman-French, heavily dependent on the past, and unashamedly archaic. It’s robust and direct—the opposite of gaudy, pretentious language. Any paragraph that can be broken up into shorter paragraphs (or into other elements) makes your message more effective. This book has great real-world examples proving how plain language can save your organization money and time. 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’s not simplified language; it’s direct language that doesn’t contain any flair or fluff. 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. 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. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. It makes writing easy to read for more people. The most recent example from U. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain language writing—and speaking—will help you to get your message across clearly and concisely. Be prepared to educate and learn along the way. It improves access to services and creates a better experience for your reader. The purpose of a plain-language approach in written communication is to convey information easily and unambiguously. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. to make one's meaning plain. . Verb phrases are the best headings for sections that relate to procedures. 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. Simple words help you express your message clearly. 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. It is clear communication. In Australia, plain language has become a commercial success. gov’s presentations and handouts after you become a trainer to create your own plain language training class and/or make your own educational materials based on your training materials and NIH’s plain language resources. 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. Many SAGE journals now accept PLS and some have made them mandatory for all. Bibliographic resources about health literacy. uses active voice. Her parents think she knows some signs. ”. Plain language refers to clear communication that an audience can understand the first time they hear or read it. A plain language standard provides all sectors, in nearly all languages, with a set of guidelines and strategies to make information more accessible and effective. Plain language helps you better understand your audience and how your audience uses the content you create. ) written for the average reader. gov. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. 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. —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. Resist the urge to sound formal. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Before and after. While the day-to-day work of plain language happens in departments, your program won’t thrive without clear expectations from the top. Plain language can be useful in an academic setting. You know what you are trying to say – make sure the reader does, too. In this course, you’ll learn the writing standards and practices outlined within the plain language field. Plain language is a way of writing and presenting information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand by your intended audience. Plain English is clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. L. gov held two online workshops to explain how to write in plain language. 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. The Working Group appointed 3 luminaries and stalwarts. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain language is a more complex version of English and baby talk. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese,. It should not be confused with an oversimplified, condescending style. 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. 2020-2021 Access for All: Plain Language is a Civil Right. プレイン・ランゲージ（英語: plain language 、「平易な言語」の意）は、読み手が必要な情報を簡単に見つけ、見つけた情報を容易に理解し使えるようにするために、的確に言葉を選び、文章の構成やデザインを行っているコミュニケーション様式の総称で. This group was and remains the center of the US movement for plain language. Wednesday, August 24, 2022 10:30 AM – 3:45 PM ET. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. What are Plain Language Summaries (PLS)? PLS sit after the academic abstract. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. The long introduction with fancy SAT words might work in college, but it’s not. He includes the following words in. Federal government. According to plainlanguage. But they don’t want to take the time to decide which they mean, so they push the job off on the audience. The USDA plain language coordinators can be found by contacting us via plainlanguage@usda. Relax and be natural (but not too informal). In healthcare writing, patients are often the intended audience. Steps to success 1. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. Plain language summaries are designed to be readily understood by anyone who is interested in the content of peer-reviewed research articles, be they specialists or non-specialists Citation 5, Citation 6. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Plain Language &. Describe how writers should handle multiple audiences. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. 6 . You may use these materials as the basis of your own class. For example, “Please make an application for a personal loan” is longer and less clear than “Please apply for a personal loan. You’ll also develop a sensitivity to the issues of literacy and work toward. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a plain language standard: ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. 2 Crafting your materials with plain language principles. 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 (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. Communicating Research Intent and Value in NIH Applications. The state Department of Health’s Center for Public Affairs has developed resources to help you effectively. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. Learn the definition, guidelines, purposes, and examples of plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to train staff to use plain language when they communicate with. S. Complex topics can be clearly communicated with plain language without losing substance. Write annual compliance reports and post these reports on its plain language web page. 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. Explain the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. S Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Benefits Administration (to. Plain Language Training Resources . (a) the document is in English (but see subsection (3) and section 15 ); and. 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. Top 10 Principles for Plain Language. Develop a strong plan that is also flexible. org and in the Cochrane Library in a range of languages. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. M. This article is structured as follows. We need trainers to help us provide plain language training to government agencies. This definition of plain language is ‘reader-based’ and not [a] ‘text-based’ analysis of a writing style. Plain language is clearer. They’re coming together to discuss the plain language and cultural components of effectively. 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. that’s understandable and direct. That doesn’t mean that you should put your letter in passive voice. The Plain Language community is a group of government employees and contractors dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communications from government. Refer to the reader as you, but not if it sounds accusatory or insulting. 8 to 8. This is the 10th time the Center for Plain Language has issued a yearly Report Card evaluating how well agencies follow the Plain Writing Act. Plain language movements originated in the 1970s in several countries, including the UK, US and Canada. Reports and brochures. Yes, you did. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. The journal features the latest plain language research, practical advice, before-and-after examples, success stories, campaign strategies and much more. 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 Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly. “And/or” is a classic example. Dictionaries, thesauruses, and grammar sites are excellent tools that can help you clarify your word choice. Also called plain language . It has become so corrupted by misuse that it has no firm meaning. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. The report card evaluates these agencies on organizational compliance and writing quality. Read more to see how plain language can be as . gov. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. 01 Introduction. Plain language should be easy to read, understand and use. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. Plain Language saves money, increases efficiency, and reduces the need for clarification. This Plain Language Thesaurus has been put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Marketing. We at the Department of Health and Human Services are committed to writing all of our new documents in plain language, starting. Plain Language is a clear way of writing and sharing information so that people can understand it the first time they read or hear it. 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. Write in the active voice. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. (2) WEBSITE. recent trends in plain language that move beyond comprehension and task com - pletion to building user trust. Keep it Short. Content types. The ability to communicate and explain research in plain language is a critical skill. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. For other groups, such as people living with dementia, learning new terms is not. Compare the following examples to get the idea of the plain language. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. O. Agency programs and contacts. 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. Executive Order 23-02 directs agencies to prioritize their most-viewed, public-facing materials. 15, to require state agencies to adopt a plain language policy to ensure that information is easy to understand and. The materials are similar in both. Word choice is an important part of. 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. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. Put the most important information at the top and the background at the bottom. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Readability is a strong ally in the quest for plain language—the more common and less complex a word, phrase, or. This can be hard in healthcare where medical terminology and acronyms prevail. First, lawyers regularly misuse it to mean something other than “has a duty to. Rep. Using plain and clear language helps your audience read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Plain language is one element of clear communication. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. 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. A challenge in writing plain language summaries is to avoid oversimplifying terms or concepts, which can lead to content that is misleading or inaccurate, or that. The Plain 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. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. The plain language summaries for completed projects have an average reading level of 8. 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. Choose your words carefully. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. organized to serve the reader’s needs. ”. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Plain language means just that: speaking in language that is clear and easy to understand. In fact, legalese makes lawyers’ writings so incomprehensible that the US Congress regularly introduces ‘plain language’ Bills to regulate them. Review plain language guidelines for using verbs, nouns, and pronouns. Law and requirements. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. Longer papers are assessed an excess length fee. 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. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. It is communication your audience can understand the first time they encounter it. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. 3. ”. And there’s some indication the very first mention of plain language dates back as far as. Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) brings together plain language supporters and practitioners from around the world. 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. Reference Oppenheimer, D. plain talk. 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. People with language impairments often have a reduced vocabulary and learning new terms is a very slow difficult process. Plain language can be understood the first time it is read or heard. If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. Don’t use slashes. Sometimes verb phrases would make good headings for procedural sections of rules. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. This timeline is an abbreviated and updated version of A History of Plain Language in the Government by Joanne Locke. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. This glossary of terms is derived from a list copyrighted by the University of Kentucky. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an online health literacy training for health professionals. It might be science journalists, healthcare practitioners, academic professionals, policymakers or the general public; they need to understand and engage with the research. See individual courses for textbook details. Use pronouns when you can. PLAIN has been connecting plain language people for 30 years now. 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. 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. On the six cards below, learn about what to do before you start writing. 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 language summaries (PLS) are typically short synopses of peer-reviewed journal publications that simplify the complex. The Plain Language Bill is a Member’s bill in the name of Rachel Boyack MP. This incident shows what an unnecessary time-waster non-plain language can be. Plain Language has been a stylistic goal for all Federal Government communication since at least 2010, with passage of the The Plain Language Act. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. Train-the-trainer bootcamp. 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. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. . He includes the following words in. You achieve plain English when you use the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea. The first rule of plain language is: write for your audience. The audiences include, but are not limited to, practitioners, policy makers, the public, and/or professionals in nearby disciplines. Antiquated words flourish words such as herein, therein,Plain language is a necessity and can have a big payoff for both consumers and organizations. 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. complete group discussion assignments (usually due Tuesdays and Fridays) spend about 2 hours per week on coursework. 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. The Definitive Plain Language Writing Guide. Explain what plain language is and is not. Plain language is clear language. Virtual International plain language conference (2020) – Access for all : Plain Language is a Civil Right – Part 1. The plain language definition states, at its core, that plain language is easily and quickly understandable. " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. When users do not understand court forms, they either complete the forms incorrectly or call the court for more information. What is plain language? Nowadays, we have a (fairly) robust understanding of what makes writing readable. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. By itself, plain language could not have completely alleviated the. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. Jargon Madness is a plain language conversation starter that cuts across the organizational chart. Join the national plain language movement.