Multicultural communities have diverse needs that traditional communications do not
always meet. If we don't reach this audience, many organizations may not access the services
and information they need to take part in society.
Writing in plain language makes information more accessible for everyone. For people with limited
English proficiency, writing in plain language makes it more likely they will understand the content.
It also makes translations clearer. Plain language does not mean ‘dumbing down’ information.
Something is in plain language if the 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.
Writing in plain language helps people with high and low literacy. Even people with the highest
literacy may be time-poor and have a lot to read. Plain language makes content quicker and
easier to understand for readers of all levels.
What your reader needs to know is often a lot less than what you want to tell them. You should only create content that your reader needs. Avoid giving them too much information.
Ask yourself:
-Who am I writing for?
-What is my purpose?
-Why do I want them to read this?
-What do they need?
-What do they already know?
Structure your content to make it as easy as possible for the reader to scan and find what they
need to know. Your audience might not read your content from start to finish.
Put key messages up the top and the detail later. Use descriptive headings to explain and break
up content. For example, ‘Who can get this payment?’ is clearer than ‘Key information’. Use lists,
graphics and tables to break up information and make it easier to understand.
Short sentences:
-Tend to make you use simpler language
-Make it easier to scan sentences and take in information
-Prevent ‘cognitive overload’ – this happens when your brain tries to process too much information.
Only use as many words as you need for the meaning and tone of voice. Aim for 15 words on average, and no more than 25 words per sentence.
Let’s work together!
