The document discusses plain English and how to write in a clear, concise style. It defines plain English as communication that emphasizes clarity, brevity, and avoids technical language. It recommends using short, active sentences between 15-20 words with short, simple words and as little jargon as possible while still being appropriate. The goals of plain English are writing for the reader to be understood in 20 seconds and achieving the objectives of the document.

1. Plain English at Work
– The art and science of effective writing –

2. Plain English at work
Mark Morris
Speechwriter at the Department of Health

3. Today we’ll ask…
What is plain English?
How to write in plain English
How to test your work
A quick exercise

4. What is plain English?
“Communication that emphasises
clarity, brevity, and the avoidance of
technical language.”
Wikipedia

5. What is plain English?
Clarity of thought

6. What is plain English?
Clarity of language

7. What is plain English?
Clarity of language
Short, active sentences
15-20 words
Short, simple words
‘Buy’, not purchase
As little jargon as possible

8. What is plain English?
Clarity of language
Short, active sentences
15-20 words
Short, simple words
‘Buy’, not purchase
As little jargon as possible, BUT…

9. What is plain English?
NOT a total
ban on technical language

10. What is plain English?
Writing for your reader

11. What is plain English?
Writing for your reader
The mum test…

12. What is plain English?
Writing for your reader
20 second test

13. What is plain English?
Achieving your objectives

14. What is Plain English?
It’s not a “comms thing”

15. Support
www.read-able.com

16. Support
www.read-able.com

17. Support
www.read-able.com

18. Support
Handouts:
How to write in plain English
10 tips for editing
How to write medical information
in plain English