Editors Canada presents: What is Plain Language? (with audio narration)

Описание: Editors Canada presents: What IS Plain Language?

It's not "dumbing" it down.

It's not just about words.

It's not necessarily short.

It's not necessarily without jargon.

Editors/Réviseurs Canada presents…

What IS Plain Language?

Plain language is…

"…writing that is clear, concise, well-organized…" Plain Writing Act of 2010 (United States)

"…writing that gives a cooperative, motivated person a good chance of understanding it at first reading…" Martin Cutts, Oxford Guide to Plain English

A communication is in plain language if…

"…the audience for that communication can quickly and easily:
— find what they need
— understand what they find
— act appropriately on that understanding"
The Center for Plain Language

Let's be clear. Plain language considers word choice, logic, and layout.

How To Be Plain

WORDS

Use verbs for actions (not verbs turned into nouns).

Use clear, straightforward expressions.

Avoid unnecessary acronyms.

LOGIC

Put the action near the beginning of the sentence, not at the end.

Know your audience. Give them what THEY really want or need to know.

Organize the material logically for the audience.

LAYOUT

Lots of white space and proper headers can improve clarity.

Use images or graphics where appropriate.

Bullet lists are good, too.

Plain language saves time and money and improves understanding.

Readers prefer plain language, even scientists, lawyers, and judges.

"Don't be concerned about insulting the intelligence of respondents through simple language. Nobody is insulted by something they can understand easily." Australian Bureau of Statistics

This video is based on Gael Spivak's presentation "An Introduction to Plain Language Concepts."

Used with permission from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, without affiliation with or endorsement from the Government of Canada.

Many thanks to the talented Line By Line Studio.

Narrator: Alana Chalmers

editors.ca