Plain Language
Plain Language
Plain language is a set of standards created and maintained by a group of federal employees. It's a practice that was developed to clarify governmental documents, but it is now incorporated into communications across sectors.
From plainlanguage.gov:
Plain language (also called plain writing or plain English) is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.
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.
Language that is plain to one set of readers may not be plain to others. Material is in plain language if your audience can:
- Find what they need
- Understand what they find the first time they read or hear it
- Use what they find to meet their needs
There are many techniques that can help you achieve this goal. Among the most common are:
- Reader-centered organization
- “You” and other pronouns
- Active voice, not passive
- Short sentences and paragraphs
- Common, everyday words
- Easy-to-follow design features (lists, headers, tables)
We’ve developed templates, checklists, and in-depth writing guidelines to help you develop communications in plain language.
Visit the plain language website
Plain Language Training
Through UW–Madison's Office of Human Resources, the Cultural Linguistic Services team offers a three-part plain language certificate. The course is offered both in-person and online.