Clarity isn’t just nice to have…
It is a must have…
Access to clear information is a civil right
In today’s world, negative trends like information overload and fake news—as well as positive trends like diversity—are making clear information more critical than ever. And critical regardless of whether your readers are the public, industry insiders, or employees, and regardless of whether they are low or high literacy, or anywhere in between.
Plain language to the rescue!
Plain language is a development process and writing style in which the language, structure, and presentation of written information all work together so that readers can easily find the information they need, understand it, and use it to meet their needs. “A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.” (International Plain Language Federation).
More good news…
The benefits of plain language are well documented, including results like:
- No confusion
- No frustration
- No misinformation
- No misinterpretation
- No uniformed decision making
- No safety risks
- No wasting time or money—or inadvertently adding to social inequity.
In fact, clear information delivers the opposite of the above. It aids social equity. Inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency are at the heart of plain language writing.
Without sacrificing creativity, we use plain language writing techniques so your information goes from complex to clear whether hard copy or online.
- How-to information for the public
- Patient and family education
- Thought leadership pieces
- Employee communications
- Marketing communications
- Business-to-business content
This aids social equity by ensuring people can make informed decisions. And by helping you meet accessibility standards like:
- Regional legislation like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
- International standards like W3C Accessibility Guidelines 3.0
- Industry guidelines like the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Clear Language and Presentation Principles and Guidelines
So we’re talking…
- Information/fact sheets
- Instructions
- Updates, bulletins, and newsletters
- Reports and white papers
- Case studies and success stories
- Research summaries
- Policies and procedures
- Websites and online information
- Sales sheets and product brochures
- Request for proposals
…And of course, odd jobs – as odd as you like, it’s up to you.