Clarity’s conference in Washington DC in mid-May can’t come soon enough. I’m looking forward to the lift in energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge that attending a plain-language conference always provides.
Plain Language Blog Articles
Still time to join Plain Language experts from around the world
You still have time to register for the 2012 Clarity conference, co-hosted by the Center for Plain Language and Scribes (the American Society of Legal Writers). Clarity is an international organization focusing on legal language. As a member of any of these organizations (as many of you are), you receive a special conference rate.
Advocates of the Plain Writing Act prod federal agencies to keep it simple
Washington Post, April 8, 2012 Center for Plain Language chair Annetta Cheek spoke with reporter Lisa Rein about progress in implementing the Plain Writing Act. “Federal agencies must report their progress this week in complying with the Plain Writing Act, a new decree that government officials communicate more conversationally with the public. Speaking plainly, they […]
The power of simple words
The introduction to this fun video of popular songs with unplain lyrics says, using “long, fancy words designed to show off your intelligence and vocabulary are all very well, but they aren’t always the best words.” In this short, playful video Terin Izil explains why simple, punchy language is often the clearest way to convey […]
The Plain Regulations Act, HR 3786: Making Federal Regulations Accessible
On January 18, Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) introduced the Plain Regulations Act. Braley also introduced the Plain Writing Act, which became law on October 13, 2010, with strong bipartisan support. The original draft of that Act had covered regulations, but the provision was deleted during the legislative process because of opposition from several sources.
“Summary of Benefits and Coverage” brings clarity to health plan
At last, consumers will have a “Summary of Benefits and Coverage” as a standardized, plain language tool to understand their health plans. Under a rule announced last week by HHS, health insurers are now required to provide consumers with clear, consistent, and comparable summary information. Here’s the link: http://cciio.cms.gov/resources/files/Files2/02102012/blank-sbc-template-finalpdf.pdf Testing by Consumers’ Union showed that […]