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Use Plain Talk
Why Plain Talk
+ Start a project
Introduction
1. Propose a solution to a business problem
2. Start with a simple project
3. Find a respected champion at work
4. Get the right mix of people involved
5. Get help
6. Build trust
7. Negotiate throughout the writing process
8. Conduct usability tests
9. Decide how to measure success
10. Market the project
+ Know the guidelines
General guidelines
1. Understand customer needs
2. Include only relevant information
3. Use words your customers use
4. Use the active voice
5. Use personal pronouns
6. Keep sentences and paragraphs short
7. Design clear pages
+ Write great instructions
Guidelines
1. Clearly label the instructions
2. Break down into short steps
3. Use clear, firm tone
4. Tell customers how to respond
5. Tell customers what happens next
6. Do your “homework” when writing legal instructions
+ Measure progress
Introduction
Project #1: Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals
Project #2: Dept. Labor and Industries
Project #3: Dept. of Social and Health Services
+ See examples
Letters
Policies
2007 Governor's Plain Talk Award winners
Learn more
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Why Plain Talk?

What is Plain Talk?

  • Usability 101
  • 2-day Plain Talk training course
  • 1 hour training for report and decision package writers
  • 1 hour introduction to plain language
  • Health Care Authority's Power of Plain Talk: An Introduction
  • Communicating Clearly with Charts & Graphs by Jeffrey Showman, Office of Financial Management

Benefits

Research and case studies from around the world show plain language can save time and money.

  • Research collected by plainlanguage.gov

Arguments in Favor of Plain Language

Many businesses, journalists, writers, elected officials, and attorneys support the use of plain language.

  • Elements of Style, Strunk and White
  • State Bar of Michigan’s Plain English Committee
  • Warren Buffet, in his preface to the SEC’s Plain English Handbook
  • Joseph Kimble, Notes Toward Better Legal Writing
  • Plain language around the world: A U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Consumer Affairs summary

Who else is using Plain Talk

  • Canada: Human Resources & Social Development
  • Florida
  • Los Angeles: Quality and Productivity Commission
  • Mexico
  • New York City: Easy-to-Read NYC
  • Texas: Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom: Plain Language Commission & Plain English Campaign

 

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