Plain language and clear communication

I recently came across plainlanguage.gov, a website maintained by a working group of US federal govenrment employees. The site is maintained by people across agencies with a specific purpose: help government officials and departments use plain language in communications. I have enjoyed clicking through the website, finding guidance. The working group has prepared a list of plain language guidelines that acts as a de facto style guide.

I particularly enjoyed the "Checklist for Plain Language on the Web", an easy-to-skim list of points to consider when writing in plain language. All of the points are useful, but a few stick out in particular:

• Less is more! Be concise.
• Eliminate unnecessary words.
• Use short lists and bullets to organize information.
• Use even more lists than on paper.
• Don’t assume your readers have knowledge of the subject or have read related pages on your site. Clearly explain things so each page can stand on its own.

There are 14 points in total on the checklist. I would encourage reviewing them all.

As I was preparing to write this post, I found that the UK government has published official guidance on government departments writing on the web. Again, I would encourage exploring yourself. This section in particular stands out:

Good online content is easy to read and understand.

It uses:

• short sentences
• sub-headed sections
• simple vocabulary

This helps people find what they need quickly and absorb it effortlessly.

The main purpose of GOV.UK is to provide information - there’s no excuse for putting unnecessarily complicated writing in the way of people’s understanding.

The UK government certainly practices what they preach in this regard. On most occasions, I am able to navigate through the gov.uk website and find the information for which I am looking. The language I have read is direct and clear.

I shall have to continue reading through these government resources to see what other tips I can pick up. There is a vast body of information available on plain communication for which I am greatly appreciative.