111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. Take train-the-trainer bootcamp through plainlanguage. Beginning in 2022, Pfizer will be disclosing the results of all global clinical trials—phases 1 through 4—in plain language. 1. In Europe, it’s expected that plain language summaries will. The Office of Management and Budget issued final guidance to implement the law on April 13, 2011. gov. S. Speech given to 600 high-level Mexican public servants at the launching plain language conference Lenguaje ciudadano on the 5th of October 2004. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. It should not be confused with an oversimplified, condescending style. We’re accustomed to thinking and speaking positively. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. 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. 2. We’re a nonprofit organization run entirely on a volunteer basis. The public can contact CMS and send comments about our plain writing efforts via the . Think through the questions your users likely have and then organize the material in a logical order. Gains Momentum: 1940-2015,” Karen Schriver outlines the following: “Between 1940 and 1970, plain language focused mainly on readability. Complex topics can be clearly communicated with plain language without losing substance. Reference Oppenheimer, D. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. • 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). Complex and Abstract Words. Before and after plain language examples demonstrate how scientific documents can be translated into plain language. Then, agencies will simplify and review the content on a regular basis to ensure these documents follow plain language writing and design. Resist the urge to sound formal. A word about “plain English. Use Microsoft Word’s Readability Statistics feature—part of the Spelling & Grammar check—to measure your progress as you write and edit copy. . Refer to the reader as you, but not if it sounds accusatory or insulting. Plain Language. 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. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. Published: 2002. In a user’s manual, people are trying to do tasks—actions. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. For other groups, such as people living with dementia, learning new terms is not. Overview. Her parents think she knows some signs. Through numerous exercises as well as examples from a variety of federal and state. Like: Do not use like as a conjunction when writing; use it as a preposition. Abbreviations were once intended to serve the audience by shortening long phrases. Be prepared to educate and learn along the way. The Center supports those who use plain language, trains those who should use plain language, and urges people to demand plain language in all the communications they. Plain language is information that readers can understand the first time they read it and use easily. Half-day presentations. Readers call less often for explanations. Plain Language is nothing more than the using clear, familiar language that a range of people can understand. ” Plain Talk makes it easier for people to read, understand, and use your communications or educational materials. Put the most important information at the top and the background at the bottom. Plain language is also known as clear language. Apparently, the headquarters writer was trying to impress people with his so-called knowledge of economics terminology. Break documents into separate topics. choices at a 6th grade. The English language allows many ways to. Plain language would have helped clearly communicate the purpose to the public, so there would have been less confusion and mistrust. (Active)National Archives staff are continually informed about plain writing through internal newsletter articles, an internal web page, and blog posts on plain writing. Since legalese takes longer to draft, read, and understand, it often falls short of the drafter’s primary goal of precision. First, I situate the development of plain legal language use by Dutch courts in the broader context of the plain language movement, relating this development to two different views of language: language as representation and language as activity (section 2). If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step toward political. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. Choose your words carefully. Plain Language has been a stylistic goal for all Federal Government communication since at least 2010, with passage of the The Plain Language Act. Trump also intends to circumvent the 14th Amendment so that he can end birthright citizenship for the children of unauthorized immigrants. Right of use means any authorization under this part to use Outer Continental. The first rule of plain language is: write for your audience. She has trouble seeing, hearing, eating, and sleeping. Writing Plain Language for Law (PLNL510) Plain Language in Health Literacy (PLNL520) Technical Writing and Editing (TCOM120) Copy Editing (EDIT210) Learning materials. – use that information. Write annual compliance reports and post these reports on its plain language web page. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. The Plain Language Act aims to make democracy more inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and those with lower levels of education. Take your audience’s current level of knowledge into account. Consider your audience. Plain language is a way of writing that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Plain Language in Plain English. These “Plain Language Summary for a Pro Se Litigant” sections have now made their way into First Step Act jurisprudence. The Plain Language and Multilingual communities share a goal of achieving more effective communication. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. We also continue to work to ensure plain writing is used in public communications related to the global COVID-19 pandemic. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Compare the following examples to get the idea of the plain language. Plain language works with. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). to stand in plain view. government agencies are required to communicate in plain language. Sometimes verb phrases would make good headings for procedural sections of rules. This page last reviewed on. (Active) The police stopped the riot. Plain language is a way of writing that makes the message easy to read, understand, and act upon by the intended audience. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. No. If you have to use a specialized term, explain briefly what it means, in parentheses. 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. Hosted by Digital. Find out the benefits of plain language for different audiences and purposes, and explore the sources and resources on plain language from various. Select the most appropriate. Replacing complex words with simpler words whenever possible lets your readers concentrate on your ideas and information. Test your assumptions. ) Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. organized to serve the reader’s needs. Keep the reader in mind as you make decisions about organizing and formatting your health information. Agency programs and contacts. Her hand shakes so she does not do sign language. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. Here are some examples, both historical and current. Apart from fractions, the slash has almost no good uses. 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. About 79% of users scan new pages they come across; only 16% read word-by-word. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). S Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Veterans Benefits Administration (to. Using plain language [3] helps agencies do this more. Use lists to help your user focus on important material. 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. Plain language should be easy to read, understand and use. Keep it Short. One legal scholar calls abbreviations a “menace to prose” (Kimble, 2006). Plain Language Training Resources . plain language. Testing your content should be an integral part of your writing and planning process—not just something you just do after the fact. 6 MB] Our readers are busy. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. both plain language and coded language in the same transmission, causing confusion. Plain Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. M. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. We provide a free half-day introduction to plain language to federal agencies. Plain language has been around in the government for over 40 years. 1. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Plain language is designed to communicate information as clearly as possible so it can reach as many people as possible. Plain Language WebsiteUsing Plain Language makes it easier for the reader to accurately interpret your message. Plain language is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and completely as possible. The credibility of being developed with input and support from many plain-language. organized to serve the reader’s needs. It avoids verbose, convoluted language and jargon. As an author, you should. Plain-language research also necessarily intersects with design (Mazur, 2000). Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. Testing Your Document’s Readability. 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. $350–$930/course, not including textbooks. 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. Executive Order 23-02 directs agencies to prioritize their most-viewed, public-facing materials. You can see it in action right here! Click the text next to each paragraph to read it in plain language. 420. Morkes, J. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. (If you’re writing for the web, here’s the web checklist . gov explains how to write in plain language. 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. If your customers don’t understand your documents, you may have to: Answer phone calls. Before and after. gov. Maintained Plain Language intranet and internet webpages. Tommy Thompson, George W. The public is beginning to see the difference plain, clear writing can make. Use positive language. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Our Plain Language Liaisons report on what staff in their units are doing to review and revise documents — view before/after examples. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words. That makes their writing ambiguous. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. Before You Start Writing. It’s not simplified language; it’s direct language that doesn’t contain any flair or fluff. You can see how shorter paragraphs improve your readability score. When you communicate with the public and other partners, it is best practice to use Plain Language or “Plain Talk. Use plain language. 12988, and. Start by researching your topic, understanding your audience, and planning and organizing how you will present your information. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Plain language is writing that the intended audience can understand and act upon the first time they read it. reading level or below. Tip: Where possible, choose a simple word or phrase over a complex one. Actually, plain English is typically quite interesting to read. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). The U. Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) brings together plain language supporters and practitioners from around the world. 7. This definition of plain language is ‘reader-based’ and not [a] ‘text-based’ analysis of a writing style. O. gov, plain language helps the reader: Find what they. § Research tells us that most readability formulas are. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Mysterious in form and expression, it is larded with law-Latin and Norman-French, heavily dependent on the past, and unashamedly archaic. A guide for plain language technical writing. recent trends in plain language that move beyond comprehension and task com - pletion to building user trust. Posting PDF versions (PDFs) of original documents on your site would seem to be an obvious alternative to rewriting your content in web format. Write in active voice. For this 10th anniversary, we evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. Although. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. A hidden verb (or nominalization) is a verb converted into a noun. —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. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. Although plain language is a familiar idea, many organizations don’t use it as often as they should. Explain what plain language is and is not. 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. Take train-the-trainer bootcamp through plainlanguage. You can also use the toggle on the top right to switch everything to. Plain Language Writing Act of 2010 The purpose of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 is “to improve the effectiveness and accountability of federal agencies to the public by promoting clear government communication that the public can understand and use. Longer papers are assessed an excess length fee. An old adage. View these before and after examples to see how the National Archives is. History and timeline. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. To provide an opportunity for public feedback, we created the CMS Plain Language . They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. Plain language fixes this problem. Here are 10 simple ways, with examples, to be plain. Writing in Plain Language. A common myth is that plain language is incompatible with teaching complex subjects. means you are communicating with your audience in a way . It makes writing easy to read for more people. Wednesday, August 24, 2022 10:30 AM – 3:45 PM ET. Enhancing our Web pages. Plain language is a more complex version of English and baby talk. Don’t use slashes. It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. The bill would create plain language requirements including:Tuesday, October 27, 2020 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM ET. Great if you need to explain the importance of plain language to your boss. What are Plain Language Summaries (PLS)? PLS sit after the academic abstract. On the six cards below, learn about what to do before you start writing. uses active voice. Agencies earned grades between A and F for both. 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 ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Keep in mind that the average U. 5. In addition. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. We at the Department of Health and Human Services are committed to writing all of our new documents in plain language, starting. Words to avoid. And you were writing for a professor as your only reader. Testing your writing to make sure it’s clear to. There will be two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. After. It’s especially important to test our assumptions in government, because we’re often writing for thousands or even millions of people. The Plain Language Summary (PLS) should convey the same information as the Abstract but in a completely different language and tone. It improves access to services and creates a better experience for your reader. Published: 2004. Our growing network includes members from over 30 countries working in clear communication in at least 15 languages. You may use any of the. You may use any of the content on this site without. In healthcare writing, patients are often the intended audience. Actions are verbs. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. ”. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. The law requires federal agencies to. Ambiguous Wording Rewritten. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. What stuff it all is!Help your readers quickly find what they need with these web writing tips: Less is more! Be concise. 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. Contact us if you have suggestions on ways to improve our documents or website. Thanks to internet sorcery, we can even take advantage of free tools to quickly gauge the reading level of our writing. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. 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. Utilize technology tools. Right of use means any authorization issued under this part that allows use of Outer Continental Shelf lands. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. It is not baby talk, nor is it a simplified version of the English language. Just because someone can read instructions written at a grade 14 level doesn’t mean they. People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand. Explains to the public how to comply with a requirement that the federal government administers or enforces. The journal features the latest plain language research, practical advice, before-and-after examples, success stories, campaign strategies and much more. S. Steps to success 1. Meet other Canadians doing plain language work. Handbooks and manuals. The mission of the USAGov program is to make it easier for people to find and understand the government services and information they need—anytime, anywhere, any way they want. Plain language is one of our best tools for improving scientific literacy and encouraging wise decision-making by the public on science-based issues. A clear,. We at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are committed to improving our service to you by writing in plain language. Write in a conversational tone. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Word choice is an important part of. When drafting a plain language text, there are 5 general areas to consider: 1. adult reads at an eight-grade level, which makes. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. 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. 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. Communicating Research Intent and Value in NIH Applications. clear to the mind; evident, manifest, or obvious. Rule begins with a useful overview that orients the reader to this complex but well-organized material. 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. PLAIN LANGUAGE •Kyra is autistic and deaf. Many famous writers, politicians, and others have commented over the centuries on the importance of writing clearly and briefly. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. Use even more lists than on paper. Plain. Organize your writing so it’s easy to follow along. Learning. Ask if one of our experienced trainers is available for your agency. Support for plain-writing is growing in the legal professions, which bring us some of our best and most varied examples of plain-writing. Visit plainlanguage. Plain language does not mean simplifying or dumbing down. 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. Letters and notices. 6. [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. Principle 1: Use Active Voice. " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Top 10 Principles for Plain Language. Plain language avoids verbose or convoluted language, jargon, euphemism, and ambiguous language. It might be science journalists, healthcare practitioners, academic professionals, policymakers or the general public; they need to understand and engage with the research. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. Don’t complicate things by using jargon, technical terms, or abbreviations that people won’t understand. gov. (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. ”4. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. Verb phrases are the best headings for sections that relate to procedures. Split topics up into logical sections separated by informative. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. Plain Writing and Clear Communications. Thompson illustrates just how helpful they can be. Plain language summaries (PLS) are typically short synopses of peer-reviewed journal publications that simplify the complex. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. 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. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. Choose your words carefully and be consistent in your writing style. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. Bush’s former Secretary of Health and Human Services, has this to say about plain language and the federal plain language group. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. Plain and simple. 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). What is plain language? Nowadays, we have a (fairly) robust understanding of what makes writing readable. Word choice is an important part of. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. Plain language refers to clear communication that an audience can understand the first time they hear or read it. Hard writing makes easy reading. Virtual Event, 13 October 2020. 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. 54 MB, 34 pages) from Laura Rabuck’s 2022 Federal Plain Language Summit presentation. Even with regulations and the limits of publishing in the Code of Federal Regulations, you can use design elements to help users read and understand the information. 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). everything plain language “p”. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is a community of federal employees dedicated to the idea that citizens deserve clear communication from government. Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Plain language can be useful in an academic setting. Don’t use slashes. Learn how they used plain language in COVID-19 agency responses, and how they combined plain language, accessibility, and user experience. Plain language also has the secondary benefit of potentially saving courts time and money. Provides information about any federal government benefit or service. As Justice Clarence Thomas once said, the “beauty is not to write a five cent idea in a ten dollar sentence” but rather “to put a ten dollar idea in a five cent sentence. The first step is to implement an official plain language policy. The opposite of plain English goes by various names: bureaucratese, doublespeak, gibberish, gobbledygook, skotison. Instead, put the emphasis on the agency by using “we”. If in Microsoft Word, a. 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. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. 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. They want to scan, not read. It’s not just about the words you choose, but your overall ability to. To ensure the target audience understands WHO information, advice and guidance, communicators must: know what the audience wants and needs. Reports and brochures. 1. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. When people understand messages quickly and fully, there will usually be less confusion, less need for re-explanation, and fewer mistakes. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. Write it into contracts to require any vendors and contractors to follow the plain language, people-first style. agenda (unless you’re talking about a meeting) advancing; collaborate (use working with) combating (use working against or fighting) Plain language can be understood the first time it is read or heard. ” Plain language style involves everyday words and. By using words in. People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand. Plain English writing style. Plain language writing—and speaking—will help you to get your message across clearly and concisely. you get your message across more often, more easily and in a friendlier way. S. 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. Content types. 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. Download the 2021 Report Card. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. Plain Language Act 2022: Guidance for agencies — Te Kawa Mataaho.