Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Plain language is not unprofessional writing or a method of "dumbing down" or "talking down" to the reader. Beginning in 2022, Pfizer will be disclosing the results of all global clinical trials—phases 1 through 4—in plain language. Plain language is a way of writing so that more people can easily read and understand your content. For regulations and other complex documents, create a comprehensive table of contents. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. 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. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Speech given to 600 high-level Mexican public servants at the launching plain language conference Lenguaje ciudadano on the 5th of October 2004. Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota. Consequences of erudite vernacular utilized. determine if such treaties are becoming easier to read or if improvements are still needed. ”A clear, simple summary written in plain language helps people to understand complex health evidence. Lists are useful because they: Highlight levels of importance. This three-hour online workshop by the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. Just because someone can read instructions written at a grade 14 level doesn’t mean they. Plain language (also called Plain English or lay language) is communication that your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Her parents think she knows some signs. Write in active voice. You can also use the toggle on the top right to switch everything to. 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. 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. Refer to the reader as you, but not if it sounds accusatory or insulting. . Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. Plain language can be understood the first time it is read or heard. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. They also didn't have a negative reaction to the simplified content. Use short sentences: aim for an average word count of 20. uses “you” and other pronouns to speak to the reader. Testing your writing to make sure it’s clear to. This construction makes clear to the reader who is to. Plain language is a clear way of sharing information that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. S. PLAIN is dedicated to helping federal agencies train their staff to communicate clearly and develop their own plain language programs. Minimize abbreviations. The law requires that federal agencies use clear government communication that the public can understand and use. Plain language (also called Plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. If your customers don’t understand your documents, you may have to: Answer phone calls. We have previously worked with the National Institutes of Health, U. PLAIN is joining together with Clarity International and the Center for Plain Language to co-host an international online conference with 2 exciting events. 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. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as: Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. 1. They are the most basic building blocks of written and spoken communication. You can see it in action right here! plain language. All of our classes are based on the Federal Plain Language Guidelines and involve interactive writing exercises. Plain language is typically based on an eighth-grade reading level, as this ensures clarity and simplicity in communication. feedback form posted on the page. Is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes. The point is that the process is reversible. " The January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government also highlights the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. No. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. Our biannual journal, The Clarity Journal, is the leading source of plain language news and research from across the globe. We at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are committed to improving our service to you by writing in plain language. Writing that is legible and well-organized is far easier to understand than more traditional styles. People come to government websites and services with a specific task in mind. Using plain language on government websites is one of the best ways to reach your target audience. Plain Language Tips & Examples Plain language helps readers quickly and easily understand your message. Use even more headings with less under each heading. gov and the Plain Language Community of Practice. 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. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Author: Barbro Ehrenberg-Sundin. That makes their writing ambiguous. Complex and Abstract Words. Plain language is the key to effective communication, allowing you to get the most important information to the right people as clearly and as effectively as possible. An old adage. Hosted by Digital. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. The story so far: New Zealand passed the Plain Language Act on Wednesday, which will require the country’s officials to use simple, easily understood English language in official documents and. Mysterious in form and expression, it is larded with law-Latin and Norman-French, heavily dependent on the past, and unashamedly archaic. 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. Hidden verbs come in two forms. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN. According to plainlanguage. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. You may be required to prepare a Plain Language Summary for a journal article submission, a grant application. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Replace verb-noun phrases and wordy phrases with more precise words. – understand what they find. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Don’t write for an 8th-grade class if your audience is composed of PhD candidates, small business owners, working parents, or immigrants. Plain language strategy #2: We make shorter. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is an unfunded working group of federal employees from different agencies and specialties who support the use of clear communication in government writing. Today, it has given way to active, clear, concise writing, sometimes known as “plain English” (Bailey, 2008). PLAIN has been connecting plain language people for 30 years now. (the person, group or thing that the action is done to). Using plain language doesn’t mean everyone’s writing must sound the same. Originally called the Plain English Network, PLAIN has been meeting informally since the mid 1990s. Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010,. Audience and purpose. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. It is also called plain English or plain writing. Learn how to apply plain language principles and best practices to your VA website content, and find resources and tools to help you write for your audience. Testing your content should be an integral part of your writing and planning process—not just something you just do after the fact. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. The U. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Plain language strategy #1: We make shorter paragraphs. 111-274) defines plain writing as: “writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field. 2010s. The American Bar Association passed this resolution advising federal agencies to write regulations in plain language. During the 1970s, some practitioners began to employ usability testing. 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. Gains Momentum by Karen A. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is an unfunded working group of federal employees from different agencies and specialties who support the use of clear communication in government writing. webpage . uses short sections and short sentences. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve all communication as it. Use short lists and bullets to organize information. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. It means you are communicating your important and complex ideas. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. To communicate professionally, you need to know when and how to use either active or passive voice. It makes writing easy to read for more people. 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. 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. Plain language is a way of writing and presenting information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand by your intended audience. View these before and after examples to see how the National Archives is. We must use plain language in any document that. . vivid. We continue to revise it every few. ”. The aim is that anyone looking for information about the key points of a Cochrane Review can read and understand them. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Additional plain language history is covered in Plain Language in the U. To celebrate, we’re putting together a collection of 30 of the people who have kept the campaign thriving. Plain Language Day is celebrated on 13 October each year. The material available about plain language is. Too often, I’ve been unable to decipher just what is. The plain language version has found an audience outside the disability community, too. Complex topics can be clearly communicated with plain language without losing substance. If you have trouble understanding any documents or material on our websites, please contact PlainLanguage@hhs. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 defines plain language as:. But as these pages discuss, we still have a long. Yes, you did. Although. The title, authors, affiliations, key points, keywords, text in tables (but not captions) and references are excluded from word counts. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Plain language helps you better understand your audience and how your audience uses the content you create. Pointing words. Rep. Cochrane Plain language summaries are freely available on cochrane. $75 program application fee. People think I can teach them style. gov. Plain language summaries (PLSs) have been introduced to communicate research in an understandable way to a nonexpert audience. The Summit will begin at 10:00 am, ET, and conclude at 3:45 pm, ET. (Active)National Archives staff are continually informed about plain writing through internal newsletter articles, an internal web page, and blog posts on plain 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. The long introduction with fancy SAT words might work in college, but it’s not. 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. It is also called plain English or plain writing. 2 Crafting your materials with plain language principles. For example, the phrase “people who are incarcerated” is wordier but more representative and equitable than the term “inmates. 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. Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand and use government communications. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a plain language standard: ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines. It has become so corrupted by misuse that it has no firm meaning. Reference Oppenheimer, D. Plain Language is nothing more than the using clear, familiar language that a range of people can understand. 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. On June 1, 1998, President Clinton issued an executive memo. Using Plain Language. Plain language is clear language. It should not be confused with an oversimplified, condescending style. S. [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. Plain language is grammatically correct and universally understood language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. We evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. It’s robust and direct—the opposite of gaudy, pretentious language. Our aim is to help make health information clear and easy to understand. Here are some examples, both historical and current. everything plain language “p”. 1. 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. Plain English is clear and direct speech or writing in English. Legal Writing Institute Awards: Joe Kimble is chair of the Outreach Committee for the Legal Writing Institute’s Golden Pen Award. uses active voice. Tuesday, August 11, 2020 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. The Plain Language Commission accredits public documents and websites with the Clear English Standard logo and provides training in plain language. (link is external) Everyday Words for Public Health Communication. In Australia, plain language has become a commercial success. Apparently, the headquarters writer was trying to impress people with his so-called knowledge of economics terminology. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Download the 2022 Report Card PDF. gov. The Plain Writing Act of 2010. Plain-language documents are accessible and present information in a way that is easy to absorb. We must use plain language in any document that – is necessary for obtaining any federal government benefit or service or filing taxes provides information about any federal government benefit or service, or explains to the public. Next, against the background of the. You may use these materials as the basis of your own class. Plain language is a communication that is clear, simple, and easy to understand. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. [10]Plain language, according to NIMS, is the use of common terms and definitions that can be understood by individuals from all responder disciplines. We offer free, half-day training classes for federal agencies. 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. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Plain language is content written for everybody, including degree-bearing individuals. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. Its distinguishing features include the tendency toward excessively complicated grammar and overformality. 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). Avoid PDF overload. Write for your reader, not yourself. both plain language and coded language in the same transmission, causing confusion. You can help us to meet our plain language goals by letting us know when we fall short. You can also watch the 28-minute, 13-second video on YouTube. S. Plain language is writing designed to ensure the reader understands as quickly, easily, and completely as possible. For example, “Please make an application for a personal loan” is longer and less clear than “Please apply for a personal loan. English is the richest language, often having five words for a concept, while many have two. Andy Biggs of Arizona, a hardline. “It’s not easily understood. The use of plain language is spreading in many areas of American culture. • Developed a Plain Language Matrix to document related tasks and steps to begin operationalizing our plain language. This Plain Language Thesaurus has been put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Marketing. But they don’t want to take the time to decide which they mean, so they push the job off on the audience. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 into law on. It looks as if the proposed law will become effective later this month. People who benefit from plain language includes anyone with a disability that effects their reading ability. The law requires federal agencies to. [table striped="true" responsive="true"] Is the tone appropriate for the audience?The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. The Act was signed in October 2010, but some federal agencies have been promoting the use of plain language for years. Why Use Plain Language? Download Why Use Plain Language? [PDF - 12. The report card evaluates these agencies on organizational compliance and writing quality. The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) through Digital. Plain and simple. Readers call less often for explanations. Download the 2021 Report Card. A clear,. Once a sentence approaches 40 words, consider splitting it into two. Prefer a simpler word whenever you can. (2006). [2] Public service agencies have a role in informing the public about any requirements and entitlements that might apply to them. It is simple and direct but not simplistic or patronizing. Jargon Madness is a plain language conversation starter that cuts across the organizational chart. Writing in short, simple words doesn’t mean you are ‘dumbing down’ the message. gov, plain language helps the reader: Find what they. Write explanatory letters. Relax and be natural (but not too informal). USA. This plain-language course will: Outline a writer’s obligations under the Plain Writing Act. 2. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Sometimes verb phrases would make good headings for procedural sections of rules. Bibliographic resources about health literacy. Hard writing makes easy reading. reading level or below. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. The Clarity Journal is distributed free to. Plain language Definitions "A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. conveying the meaning clearly and simply; easily understood. The Plain Language and Multilingual communities share a goal of achieving more effective communication. Legalese versus plain language by Peter Butt Legal English has traditionally been a special variety of English. There are millions of words in the English language. Right of use means any authorization issued under this part that allows use of Outer Continental Shelf lands. For this 10th anniversary, we evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments. 6 . The first task for ISO’s plain language Working Group was to complete the Experts’ Draft and to adopt it as Draft 1. Use plainlanguage. The plain language Community of Practice is a network of communications professionals that work to help public servants communicate in plain language to their audience. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Agencies earned grades between A and F for both. People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand. On the six cards below, learn about what to do before you start writing. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use. The Act does not cover regulations. 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. recent trends in plain language that move beyond comprehension and task com - pletion to building user trust. gov. They concluded that the organization did not have a true process or standard for communication, and as a result implemented plain language as the standard. This is crucial. Words matter. Morkes, J. Word choice is an important part of. By October 13 2011, we will use plain language in any new or substantially revised document that:. Plain. Christian Miller said that, internally, the plain language description of ProPublica resonated. We believe that using plain language saves federal agencies time and money and provides better service to the American public. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Pointing words – including this, that, these, those, and the – refer directly to something already mentioned. 5: Plain Language. Use this checklist to see if your document meets plain language standards. Plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand and use health information. Source: International Plain Language Federation. Find out about the Plain Writing Act, policy memos, and executive orders that require agencies to use plain language. 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). (If you don’t see your agency’s program listed here, contact us so we can include it. You know what you are trying to say – make sure the reader does, too. Plain Writing Act of 2010. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. Readers can do without archaic jargon such as “hereafter,” “heretofore,” and “therewith. 2. Language. Legal language is a major source of annoying jargon. ”. Plain language is not. Style guides are not a plain language issue, except that your style guide should include directions to write in plain language. Explain what plain language is and is not. the proper approach to legal writing. Plain Language Training Resources . Limit each paragraph to one idea and keep it short. Target an 8th - 9th grade reading level. The Plain Language Bill is a Member’s bill in the name of Rachel Boyack MP. One of the types of technical writing is legal writing. Communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and. By using plain language, you increase the likelihood someone will understand your messaging. It is intended to make government communications. You may use any of the content on this site without explicit permission. Successful plain language projects involve learning and leading from both sides. This definition of plain language is ‘reader-based’ and not [a] ‘text-based’ analysis of a writing style. Principles of Plain Language (PPTX), our original plain language class; Plain Language and Writing for the Web (PPTX), based on Principles, but with a web focusPfizer began sharing study results in plain language with the general public in May 2021, and people can expect to see more and more of it in the future. (b) the agency considers that the intended audience for the document is the public generally (rather than 1 or 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. 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. Think about how well your communications support people in getting things done. President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 [PDF - 124 KB] on October 13, 2010. Contains guidelines for creating plain language materials, as well as an overview of the plain language movement and tools for trainers. ”. Use plain language in any new or substantially revised document . This chapter will introduce you to the principles of plain language and allow you to practise them. It avoids verbose, convoluted language and jargon. It often needs an extra verb to make sense. Direct, accessible language is often called plain language. Whether you call such writing the opposite of gobbledygook or legalese, or just sloppy work, you know. 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. M. Your table of contents should be a reliable roadmap that users can follow to quickly find what they need. Learn how to use plain language in federal communications and access official writing guidelines, training materials, and examples. We first developed this document in the mid-90s. ” The phrase certainly shouldn’t connote drab and dreary language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires agencies to write documents for the public that are easy to understand and use. As: Use as, as if, as though, or other similar expressions as a conjunction in written documents. This timeline is an abbreviated and updated version of A History of Plain Language in the Government by Joanne Locke. 6. Train-the-trainer bootcamp. 8 to 8. The Plain Language Action and Information Network develops and maintains the content of this site with support from the General Services Administration. , the Plain Writing Act of 2010 took effect in October 2011 (see below). Try to make your reading ease number go up and. A study of how users with lower literacy skills read and navigate on the web, for example, found that even users with. Share your thoughts and challenges. uses active voice. -Governor Jay Inslee signed an Executive Order on Wednesday, Nov. If your preceding paragraph describes the process of strip mining, and your next paragraph begins with “this process causes…,” the word this makes a clear connection between paragraphs. (Active) The police stopped the riot. As a federal website, the content is in the public domain. Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. Plain Language saves money, increases efficiency, and reduces the need for clarification. Plain language also has the secondary benefit of potentially saving courts time and money. “And/or” is a classic example. We ask only that you credit our work by citing back to PLAIN and. Readers call less often for explanations. Resources for using plain language.