How Plain Language Can Transform Public Communications
Clear, effective communication is essential for building trust and strengthening relationships between governments and the communities they serve. But too often, official communications can be filled with jargon or complex language that makes it difficult for residents to fully understand or engage with important issues. That’s where Plain Language comes in.
What is Plain Language?
Plain language refers to communication that is clear, straightforward, and easy to understand. It prioritizes simplicity, avoiding technical jargon or overly complicated structures, with the goal of making information accessible to everyone, regardless of their education or background.
Key principles of plain language include:
- Using common, everyday words
- Writing short, concise sentences
- Organizing information logically
- Focusing on the audience’s needs and comprehension
- Providing clear instructions or calls to action
As a result, plain language ensures that important information is not just delivered, but understood. As one expert put it, plain language means “communication so clear people understand the first time.” This approach is vital for state and local governments looking to engage more effectively with their residents.
Civic Engagement Practitioner Peer Exchange
PublicInput hosted a customer peer exchange on the topic of Innovative Approaches to Community Outreach, bringing together community engagement professionals from around the U.S. to discuss their insights and experiences. The session discussion highlighted the importance of using plain language as a cornerstone for effective engagement.
The consensus was clear: plain language policies are essential for increasing resident participation in community initiatives. Participants shared practical strategies for implementing plain language, with resources such as:
From Complexity to Clarity Webinar
Building on the customer peer exchange, the From Complexity to Clarity: Engage and Inform Using the Plain Language Advantage webinar dove deeper into the value of plain language for government communication. Here are the key takeaways:
- The Importance of Accessibility: Plain language ensures all community members, regardless of literacy level or background, can access important information.
- Benefits of Clear Communication: Plain language improves engagement, enhances public trust, and can lead to better outcomes in public policy initiatives.
- Practical Strategies: The webinar shared tips for writing in plain language, including using everyday words, avoiding jargon, and checking readability with digital tools.
- Leveraging Technology: AI tools and digital platforms are powerful allies in creating and distributing plain language content.
- Measuring Success: It’s critical to evaluate the effectiveness of plain language initiatives to ensure they achieve their intended goals.
Want more detail from this session? Explore the slides or watch the on-demand replay.
A Call to Action for State and Local Governments
The plain language approach isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity for improving communication and engagement with residents. By adopting these practices, governments can build stronger, more transparent relationships with their communities, making it easier for people to engage in civic life.
At PublicInput, we’re dedicated to helping governments communicate more effectively. Whether you’re just starting to explore plain language or looking for advanced strategies, we have resources to help:
- Updated Web Accessibility Rules: A Guide for Government Agencies
- Defining Plain Language
- Maryland Consumer Health Information Hub
- Debra Bosley TEDx Talk on Plain Language
Ready to take the next step? Incorporate plain language into your outreach campaigns and watch the difference it makes in your community’s engagement.
Let’s make your next message clear, impactful, and accessible—because clear communication builds stronger communities.
