Plain Language

1. Plain Language WRITING USER-FRIENDLY DOCUMENTS

2. PLAIN LANGUAGE WEBSITE • http://www.plainlanguage.gov/

3. Plain LanguageWRITING USER-FRIENDLY DOCUMENTS • An online tutorial • A reference manual • http://www.plainlanguage.gov/

4. INTRODUCTION – How can we be better writers? • Engage your reader • Write clearly • Write in a visually appealing style

5. How can you engage your readers? • Identify your audience • Organize to meet your reader’s needs • Use a question-and-answer format

6. How can you engage your readers? • Use “you” and other pronouns to speak directly to the readers • Use the active voice • Use the appropriate tone

7. How can you write more clearly? • Use short sentences • Write to one person, not to a group. • Use the simplest tense you can.

8. How can you write more clearly? • Use “must” to convey requirements • Place words carefully • Use “if-then” tables

9. How can you write more clearly? • Avoid words and constructions that cause confusion • Use contractions when appropriate

10. How can you make your documents visually appealing? • Use lots of informative headings • Write short sections • Include only one issue in each designated paragraph

11. How can you make your documents visually appealing? • Use vertical lists • Use tested emphasis techniques to highlight important points • Bold • Italics • Not ALL CAPS

12. List of simpler words and phrases • http://okhighered.org/grant-opps • Grant Writing Resources

13. Plain LanguageREVIEW • Engage your reader • Write clearly • Write in a visually appealing style