Clarity and creativity—it is possible!

Using plain language writing and editing, we make
written information go from complex to clear without sacrificing creativity—how refreshing is that?

Everyone has the right to inclusive, accessible, and transparent information. Everyone as in, regardless of education, literacy level, income, ethnicity, gender identity, age, cognitive and physical abilities. Social equity is at the heart of clear information, so it is at the heart of our services.

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The results? Information that is easy to read, understand, and use—after just one read—decreasing frustration and increasing action. Saves time, energy, money, and even lives.

Your reader is happy. You’re happy. It’s all good.

As in, really good. Clear information aids social equity.

Whether regarding general literacy, health literacy, financial literacy or—insert other types of literacy here—clear information positively impacts communities by enhancing people’s lives. Bottom line: making the world a clearer place, makes the world a better place—for everyone, no one gets left behind.

Carolyn Wilby, Principal Writer

  • True Confessions: “Hello, my name is Carolyn Wilby and I am an incurable decode-aholic. Although I may be plagued with delusions of grandeur, I’m obsessed with ridding the world of unclear information. My mission is to provide plain language writing and editing services so that information goes from complex to clear. No more information rage! And most importantly, no more uninformed or misinformed decision making. In fact, in the big picture, clear information aids social equity. As my mission ensues and clarity rules the land, my services will become obsolete and I will retire into clarity bliss. Clearly a happy ending for all.”
  • Why clear information matters: Clear information is a civil right—everyone has the right to inclusive, accessible, and transparent information. Clear Language @ Work wants to ensure people can exercise this right so that they can lead better lives.
  • Pet Peeve: alot is not a word (and Starbuckian isn’t actually a language)
  • Vote for Worst Word: shall (Runner-up: amongst)
  • Guilty Pleasure: in love with the Oxford comma (and being read to)
  • After Deadline: roam around as much as possible (via running shoes, bike, paddle, and hopefully, plane)


The Fine Print:

  1. Technically a suit but with creative flair: MBA in marketing (University of Windsor Ontario) and Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies (formerly ACS from the University of Western Ontario). Life post-MBA: course work in the Magazine and Book Publishing Program at Ryerson University and plain English courses offered by experts in the UK.
  2. Established CLW in 1998: as a social enterprise, which is an organization that uses “business strategies to achieve a social or environmental impact. While generating revenues from the sale of goods and services, social enterprises also expressly intent to create positive outcomes, and measure their results. As the business grows, the social impact grows” (Social Enterprise Ontario). WARNING! Here comes the horn tooting (it’s got to be done): long-term clients, extensive portfolio,  established office, range of awards—even picked up a few friends along the way: go-to graphic design firm is Naomi Shacter Graphic Design. So why Clear Language @ Work? Find out here.
  3. Past lives in both the public and private sectors: Marketing Communications Manager (Aetna Health and Life Insurance), Health Promotion Officer (Scarborough Public Health Department), Account Supervisor (Grosvenor House Press/Pegasus Healthcare)
  4. Words to live by: “Whether your information is for the public, specific professional audiences, or your employees, make these three words your guiding principle: inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency. In other words, make sure your information is in plain language.” More words to live by: “Make your goal information that is in language familiar to your audience based on their literacy level, reading ability, and level of topic knowledge in a format that helps them easily find the information they need, understand it, use it—and even enjoy reading it. If they can’t understand it or it’s painful to read, then what’s the point?”