I think that plain language is useful because;
- It communicates clearly to more people who might be able to use the ideas;
- It is structured and makes mistakes in logic or argument more obvious; and
- it helps translate-programs to be more accurate so we can work across languages and cultures.
- sometimes when you use plain language to explain something to someone, without using trigger words – they say “well that’s obvious” – instant position change and they don’t even know it.
Resource
Plain English Campaign is an independent group fighting for plain English in public communication. We oppose gobbledygook, jargon and legalese.
Source: How to write in plain English
Practice and learning
I am thinking that I can go through a piece of text and check for each of the Plain English guides
- Keep your sentences short
- Prefer active verbs
- Use ‘you’ and ‘we’ maybe unless people would take offence then it would be better to use “they” or “applicants”
- Use words that are appropriate for the reader, I am interested in talking to people who might put these ideas to use – this might not be academics
- Don’t be afraid to give instructions
- Avoid nominalisations
- Use lists where appropriate use and/or and
Kevin needed to take:
- a penknife
- some string
- a pad of paper; and
- a pen.
I am thinking of producing a reverse glossary
see