 Image credit: Vecteezy.com Do you worry that if you write in plain language you will lose important information? How could you possibly include all the complex ideas when you are writing in simpler language? Simplifying complex ideas doesn’t mean removing information – it just means making that complex information easier to understand. In other words, it's meeting the reader at their level of language, rather than leaving anything out. What types of complex content can you write in plain language?
Plain language can be used for any topic, in any industry, for any audience. But remember that plain language writing doesn't look the same for all audiences and for all topics. You wouldn't write the same way for scientists (who know a topic and the jargon well) as you would for the general public, even if it's the same information. This is when knowing your reader becomes important. As long as you know what your readers know, and what they don't know, you can tailor your writing to them, still using plain language techniques. Here are some types of writing that are often written in complex language, or have complex ideas, that you can write in plain language: Academic or scientific writing In fact, readability can have a direct effect on whether the paper will be cited, published or funded. Legal writing There is a big movement in legal writing to modernise the language and to use plain language techniques. Imagine terms and conditions or contracts that everyone can understand. Health communications The World Health Organization says that "communicators must translate technical information into messages non-expert audiences can understand. People are more likely to trust and act on information they understand." How do you include the complex information? Plain language is all about the reader. What do they need to know? What do they know already? Once you have a good picture of your readers’ knowledge and level of language they can easily read and understand, you can usually use standard plain language techniques to write the information. For the more complex ideas or sections, use the following techniques: 1. Break complex ideas into smaller parts. Consider what your reader may not know, and break those ideas into smaller parts or steps. Explain each part so that the reader can understand it before moving on. It may make the content a little longer, but that is better than the reader not understanding what they are reading. 2. Use familiar words and phrases. Words that the readers already know make it easier and quicker for them to read and understand the information. Use the “explain it to a friend” test – how would you say it to someone not in your field? 3. Explain any technical terms or acronyms. It is OK to use a technical term or acronym if it is important that it is used, but you should explain it. You can explain it within the text, or use a glossary or call-out box. 4. Use examples, analogies or comparisons. Examples, analogies or comparisons of complex ideas will help the reader put the information into the real world. This can help their understanding of the ideas. 5. Structure information clearly. Use short sentences and paragraphs, headings, bullet points and a logical order. Also use white space for less visual clutter. This helps guide the reader’s eye through the content and helps readability. What next? For more information on how to write in plain language, see my articles on writing in plain language. Or, if this all sounds too overwhelming, I can help. As a business editor and plain language specialist, I will help you publish better business and government content so that
Contact me today to discuss how I can help you achieve your goals with clear, professional writing. Comments are closed.
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