What Does AI Mean for Plain Language Writing?
Writers are increasingly exploring AI out of curiosity or necessity, but many aren’t sure how tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help make their writing clearer and easier to understand. That hesitation makes sense, especially in work where clarity, accuracy, and accountability are core values.
AI doesn’t change the goals of plain-language communication. Used thoughtfully, it can support the work writers already do, such as avoiding jargon, making sure information flows logically, and identifying places where readers might get stuck.
Plain Language: Connecting Us Through Good and Bad Times
A year ago, my fellow employees and I officially launched the Town of Chapel Hill’s Plain Language program with an online center of excellence, a style guide, and an ambitious plan to train as many of our staff as possible in plain language basics.
Adapting to experts
When it comes to plain language, every subject matter expert has an opinion. They may worry the methods oversimplify their work and will lower their professional reputation. Or they may feel the word choices are less precise or too general and will cause doubt about their research results.
“Say it once and say it well”
Considering a new job in the new year? You are not alone. During fall, workers complete performance reviews and learn how they rate, but many employees are also evaluating their own feelings about the boss, the company, and the future.
If you are updating your resume this holiday season…
Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Food and Drug Administration
Way back in 1998, Vice President Gore signed a memo setting up expectations that information from the Federal government would be easy for the public to understand.
Save time and money: best practices to build and sustain a plain language program
We know that sinking feeling when we read a confusing email or business letter. We scan the wall of words and ask ourselves, ‘why should I care, what does this mean to me, and what am I supposed to do with this information?’
Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Hennepin County, Minnesota
Making information less complex and more concise How we knew we needed a plain language program In 2010, most of our day-to-day communications with county residents were lengthy, overly complex, and often filled with legal jargon. In addition, each county department had their own style and voice. Surveys of residents showed they were often confused […]
Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – Social Security Tribunal of Canada
Since 2018 we have introduced a lot of changes to make our legal process more accessible. Building a culture of plain language was one of them. It cost us very little, but has made a big difference in how ordinary people use our service. In terms of cost versus benefit, it has been a massive bargain.
Building and sustaining a culture of plain language – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
In 2006, I was working as a writer-editor in the regulatory shop of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for providing legal immigration benefits and services. Any one of our regulations could affect thousands to millions of people, many of whom didn’t speak English as a first language. So we had to get the language right.
What it Takes to Tweet Live – How Circuit Media Helped ClearMark Awards
Now that the frenetics of launching the annual ClearMark Awards are over, the Center for Plain Language had a chance to chat with two leaders from a great social media advisor/aide: Circuit Media, based in Denver, CO.
How Plain Language Could Help Reduce Scams
By Tanner Call I’ve recently been the target of a clever direct mail scam. It involves convincing the potential victim that their vehicle’s warranty is about to expire and that they need to renew it soon. The letter includes “official” components such as a barcode, logo, reference number, and even a chart with a summary […]
Facebook knew better
A few weeks ago, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before the Senate. That’s not news.
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) stated the obvious: “Here’s what everyone’s been trying to tell you today — and I say it gently — your user agreement sucks.” Senator Kennedy suggested that Mr. Zuckerberg tell his $1,200/hour lawyer to write the agreement in English, “so the average American user can understand.”
Facebook knows how to do this, at least fairly well. So why didn’t they?
Lost in translation: Making health insurance content clear, not cryptic
A friend on Facebook recently posted, “I just got an email from Blue Cross urging me to ‘use my benefits’ because the end of the year is coming. Honestly have no idea what to make of that.” Especially since after two emergency room visits, “I have super definitely ‘used my benefits’ this year.”
Writing for health insurance customers is tough.
The potential power of plain language
It’s a phrase that’s often tossed around. But how often do we use it when we should? Plain language is communication your reader can understand immediately. It requires that readers be able to find what they need, understand what they find, and then use that information for their own benefit. It’s not enough for them to understand one sentence of text; it must all work together.
Preventable Harm
When communication isn’t clear, the result is burden. In health care this burden is often borne by someone who is already carrying rocks in their pack (feeling sick, worried or exhausted). Now, in addition to missing work, paying for medications and doing what it takes to heal, energy must go to deciphering unnecessarily complex information. Common examples include care instructions, medical bills or conversations with providers (“What did the doctor say?”).