I'll be presenting a Web Manager University webinar today on the topic of plain language in web writing. The topic doesn't require a hard sell. Essentially, I'll be saying that because reading online presents many challenges, users need content that's written in plain, clear, and familiar language.
I came across many wonderful resources while developing the webinar, and I hope these links help you write content "... your audience can understand the first time they read ... it."
Plain language organizations:
- Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN)
- Center for Plain Language
- Plain Language Association INternational
- Usability.gov
- Clarity - international association promoting plain legal language
Plain language before-and-after examples:
- Florida Department of Children and Families
- Home Equity Loan Contracts (Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner)
- Government before-and-afters at Plainlanguage.gov
- Moving to Plain Language Disclosure
- Letters and policies from Washington State
Plain language guidelines:
- Federal Plain Language Guidelines
- Easy-to-Read NYC
- Plain Language - Making HIPAA Privacy Notices More Readable (Health Resources and Services Administration)
- Guidelines from NIH’s Plain Language Initiative
- FAA’s videos on plain language
- Governor’s Plain Language Handbook (Florida)
- Making Regulations Readable (Federal Register)
- Plain English Handbook (SEC)
- FAA Writing Standards
- Plain Language Guidelines (Oklahoma Department of Human Services)
- Writing to Customers in Plain Talk (Washington State)
-- Leslie O'Flahavan
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