Plain Language and Easy Read Communication

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Post #1

Caption: Plain language uses clear, simple words so everyone can understand information quickly and easily. It benefits people with disabilities, English learners, consumers, and even experts. Plain language helps businesses, nonprofits, and governments communicate better. Choosing language that fits your audience makes a big difference. #PlainLanguage #EasyRead #ClearCommunication and #UnderstandableForAll

Alt Text: A dark blue, light blue, and white graphic that says What is Plain Language? Plain language means using clear, simple words that everyone can understand quickly and easily. What’s clear for one person might not be for another. That’s why it’s important to use language that fits your audience! Who should use plain language? Businesses, Nonprofits, Local and State Government Who benefits from plain language? People with disabilities, People learning English, Consumers, Experts

Post #2

Caption: Plain language helps nonprofits communicate clearly and reach more people. It makes information easier to understand, translate, and share. Simple and clear words are better for everyone! #PlainLanguage #EasyRead #ClearCommunication and #UnderstandableForAll

Alt Text: A dark blue, light blue, and white graphic that says Why Plain Language Matters for Nonprofits Clear Communication Plain language is direct and easy to understand. It’s not “dumbing down.” Makes Translation Easier Plain language is easier to translate into other languages. Reaches More People Helps spread your mission and makes information accessible to everyone. Better for Everyone Highly educated people also appreciate shorter and clearer sentences. Easier for English Learners Simplifies information for easier understanding. Builds Understanding Helps everyone understand your work and feel connected.

Post #3

Caption: Plain language helps businesses communicate in a simple and easy to understand way. Using plain language to write easy-to-understand policies, instructions, and contracts help customers understand information quickly and reduce mistakes. #PlainLanguage #EasyRead #ClearCommunication and #UnderstandableForAll

Alt Text: A dark blue, light blue, and white graphic that says Why Plain Language is Good for Businesses? Easy to Understand, Helps people quickly get the message and take action. Builds Trust, Simple, honest language makes customers feel valued. Better Customer Service Makes instructions easy to follow. Saves Time & Money Clear writing reduces questions and mistakes. Removes Confusion, Gets rid of complex words and jargon. Prevents Costly Errors, Less chance of misunderstandings and problems.

Post #4

Caption: Plain language helps local and state governments serve everyone better. It makes information easier to find, read, and understand. This can be helpful during emergencies. Using plain language helps to improve services, builds trust with the public and improves compliance. #PlainLanguage #EasyRead #ClearCommunication and #UnderstandableForAll

Alt Text: A dark blue, light blue, and white graphic that says Local & State Government Why Plain Language Matters for Government? Improve Accessibility, Makes it easier for everyone, to find, read, and understand information. Better in Emergencies Clear language helps people quickly understand and follow updates during crises. Improve Compliance Reduces mistakes and increases understanding of laws and instructions. Improve Services Simple language on websites and forms cuts down on citizen calls and inquiries. Builds Public Trust Clear communication helps people understand requirements & get things done faster. Save Time & Money Reduces costs by making documents shorter and easier to understand.

Post #5

Caption: Plain language laws make sure information is clear for everyone. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 says federal agencies must use clear and easy-to-understand language in written materials. While the ADA says governments (state and local), businesses, and nonprofits must share information in a way everyone can access and understand. Plain language benefits everyone! #PlainLanguage #EasyRead #ClearCommunication and #UnderstandableForAll

Alt Text: A dark blue, light blue, and white graphic that says Plain Language Laws Federal Agencies: The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to use simple, clear language that is easy for people to understand. State & Local Government: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II requires state & local government agencies to provide clear and accessible communication to the public, including people with disabilities. Businesses & Nonprofits: The ADA Title III requires businesses & nonprofits to provide effective communication with customers, clients, and the public, including those with disabilities.

Post #6

Caption: Tips for writing in plain language: Identify your audience and write with their needs in mind. Use simple, common words your audience understands best. Aim for sentences 15-20 words to improve readability. Get straight to the point and do not use unnecessary words. Focus on one group (or audience) to make your message clear and keep sentences short.  #PlainLanguage #EasyRead #ClearCommunication and #UnderstandableForAll

Alt Text: A dark blue, light blue, and white graphic that says Tips for writing in plain language Know your audience Decide who you are writing for—directors, staff, or clients. Write with their needs in mind. Use simple words Choose common, easy words instead of complex ones. Pick the words your audience knows best. Cut unnecessary words Get to the point quickly. Remove extra words that don’t add value. Write for one group Focus on a specific audience to make your message clear. Don’t try to write for everyone. Keep sentences short Aim for sentences with 15-20 words. Shorter sentences are easier to read and understand.

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Caption: Tips for writing in plain language: Lead with the most important message in your writing. In other words, do not bury the lead. Use simple and active language to communicate your message. Break your content into smaller sections, use examples to explain ideas, and simplify complex terms for better understanding. Finally, check your writing using a readability checker to make sure it’s easy for everyone to follow. #PlainLanguage #EasyRead #ClearCommunication and #UnderstandableForAll

Alt-Text: A dark blue, light blue, and white graphic that says Tips for Leading with Important Message Be organized Organize content logically. Use headings and structure your content. Section Content Break up content into sections that make it easy for the reader to find information. Be Clear Use literal language. Use Examples Use examples to explain concepts. Review Writing Review using a readability checker such as the Hemingway Editor. Paraphrase Legal Terms When writing legal opinions, paraphrase legal terms so readers can understand the content easily.

Post #8

Caption: Tips for writing in plain language: Sharing information online that is written in plain language makes it easier for everyone to understand. Use fewer words and break your content into smaller sections with headings and bullet points, You can also link to additional pages for readers to find more details. This helps readers easily find and understand the information. #PlainLanguage #EasyRead #ClearCommunication and #UnderstandableForAll

Alt Text: A dark blue, light blue, and white graphic that says Tips for writing for the internet Be Concise Use 50% less text than you would in print to accommodate slower reading speeds and ensure a positive user experience. Write for Scannability Break text into short, digestible sections with headers, bullets, and keywords to match online users’ tendency to scan instead of read. Use Hypertext Split detailed information across multiple linked pages to keep content concise while offering depth for interested readers.