What is plain language anyway?

Plain language is a set of strategies and techniques for writing. A document written in plain language conveys information clearly and in easy-to-understand language. It is free from bureaucratic jargon or “legalese” language which may confuse or alienate your readers. Plain language writing helps readers get to the heart of the matter within the first paragraph.

Plain language is not…

Unprofessional, disrespectful, or inaccurate. It does not “dumb down” information for the public. In fact, using plain language is respectful because it values the readers’ time.

5 Benefits of adopting plain language:

• Reduce the amount of time it takes for individuals or organizations to comply with your instructions. With plain language, your customers can understand your message and instructions the first time they read your documents.
• Cut down on the number of customer service phone calls, inquiries, and complaints. When people don’t understand the information we provide, they contact your front-line staff, hotlines, or government contracted service providers to understand how to act on the information we provide.
• Increase the likelihood that we get the response we are seeking. Some people who receive confusing letters or unclear public documents may not do anything at all. Your letters or pamphlets may end up in the recycling bin or trash.
• Become accessible to more people. Accurate and high quality translation starts with easy-to-read English-language documents. Translators will make fewer mistakes and better convey your message when they are translating plain language documents.
• Increase company/department transparency and hold yourselves accountable for the messages we send the public.

Good customer service starts with us. We can improve your reputation as responsive and accessible by respecting our customer’s time – the time it takes them to understand our messages and get the services they need.