Plain English at Work

– The art and science of effective writing –

Mark MorrisSpeechwriter at the Department of Health

Plain English at work

What is plain English? How to write in plain English How to test your work A quick exercise

Today we’ll ask…

“Communication that emphasises clarity, brevity, and the avoidance of technical language.”

Wikipedia

What is plain English?

Clarity of thought

What is plain English?

Clarity of language

What is plain English?

Clarity of language Short, active sentences

* 15-20 words

Short, simple words * ‘Buy’, not purchase

As little jargon as possible

What is plain English?

Clarity of language Short, active sentences

* 15-20 words

Short, simple words * ‘Buy’, not purchase

As little jargon as possible, BUT…

What is plain English?

NOT a totalban on technical language

What is plain English?

Writing for your reader

What is plain English?

What is plain English?

The mum test…

Writing for your reader

What is plain English?

Writing for your reader

20 second test

Achieving your objectives

What is plain English?

It’s not a “comms thing”

What is Plain English?

www.read-able.com

Support

www.read-able.com

Support

www.read-able.com

Support

Handouts: How to write in plain English 10 tips for editing How to write medical information in plain English

Support