Use plain language

A prime factor in ease of reading is use of plain language – what I call “verbal essence.” The Federal Government has a Plain Language web site. It not only aims at federal employees, but has plain writing tips for the private sector too.

“Writing today is not a frill for the few, but an essential skill for the many.”

The National Commission on Writing in America’s Schools and Colleges adds its voice to the challenge in “The Neglected ‘R’: The Need for a Writing Revolution” (PDF format). “Writing, education’s second ‘R,’ has become the neglected element of school reform” the commission report says.

Whether you are a church web developer, communications committee person, or member of the church staff, you need to know how to write clearly and simply.

Key points

• Identify your readers – all of them.
• Know your readers! Understand what they need, how they read, and then fulfill their needs.
• Pretentious language wastes time.
• Complex language has hidden costs. People may not know what you are trying to say.
• Keep it simple!
• Use the right words.
• Avoid "hidden" verbs.

Resources

• Plain language at a glance
• Checklist of plain language elements
  [Extra checklist items for web-based docs and web pages]
• Quick tips
• Writing tips
• Editorial Style Manual
• Writing reader-friendly documents
• Exercises in plain writing [answers]