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You are here: Home / Archives for Plain Language Blog Articles

Plain Language Blog Articles

What it Takes to Tweet Live – How Circuit Media Helped ClearMark Awards

July 3, 2019

Center What it Takes Blog

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.

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How Plain Language Could Help Reduce Scams

September 12, 2018

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 […]

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Facebook knew better

May 17, 2018

Facebook icon

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?

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Lost in translation: Making health insurance content clear, not cryptic

December 6, 2017

Flummox cartoon image

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.

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The potential power of plain language

November 22, 2017

Blog

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.

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Preventable Harm

September 25, 2017

preventable harm blog

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?”).

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