Plain Language: Clear and Concise

Traditional Classroom: 1-day
Virtual Instructor-led: Two 3-3.5 hour sessions; Three 2-hour sessions

Plain language is essential for communicating clearly — and the Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires all federal agencies to use plain language in public-facing communications. In this course we explore essential plain language principles. We also teach the writing and design techniques that support plain language goals across communication. Participants will engage in exercises and group discussions as well as writing workshops that foster hands-on learning. Attendees of this course will walk away from this course with tips they can apply immediately.

Target Audience

This course is designed for government and professional employees at any level who want to be clearer and more concise in their writing.

Learning Objectives

Define what plain language is and its supporting principles.
Describe why to revise content for the reader’s needs.
Summarize the research that supports plain language best practices.
Use writing strategies that create the best clarity.
Format and structure your writing to foster readability.

Course Outline

Part 1: An Introduction to Plain Language

What Plain Language Is
Why Plain Language Matters for Government and for People
Which Principles and Research Support Plain Language

Part 2: Writing Strategies for Clarity

Active and Passive Voices
Strong Verbs
Positive Framing
“You” Voice and Pronouns
Parallel Structure
Tips to Remove Wordiness
Precise Word Choice (Ambiguity, Vagueness, etc.)

Part 3: Strategies for Format and Structure

Organize for the Reader
Sentence and Paragraph Brevity
White Space
Headers and Bullet Points
Visuals
Font Treatment

Lesson Engagement

Before-and-After Examples
Individual Exercises
Group Exercises and Workshop
Polls

Training Includes

Participant Guide
Handouts and Tips Sheet

MDV660 Course Code

For more information on this topic, as well as how Corporate Education Group can help power your organization’s performance, contact us via email or call 1.800.288.7246 (US only) or +1.978.649.8200. You can also use our Information Request Form!