Plain Language

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Plain Language

• WRITING
• USER-FRIENDLY
• DOCUMENTS

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PLAIN LANGUAGE WEBSITE

• http//www.plainlanguage.gov/

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Plain LanguageWRITING USER-FRIENDLY DOCUMENTS

• An online tutorial
• A reference manual
• http//www.plainlanguage.gov/

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INTRODUCTION How can we be better writers?

• Engage your reader
• Write clearly
• Write in a visually appealing style

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How can you engage your readers?

• Identify your audience
• Organize to meet your readers needs
• Use a question-and-answer format

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How can you engage your readers?

• Use you and other pronouns to speak directly to
  the readers
• Use the active voice
• Use the appropriate tone

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How can you write more clearly?

• Use short sentences
• Write to one person, not to a group.
• Use the simplest tense you can.

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How can you write more clearly?

• Use must to convey requirements
• Place words carefully
• Use if-then tables

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How can you write more clearly?

• Avoid words and constructions that cause
  confusion
• Use contractions when appropriate

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How can you make your documents visually
appealing?

• Use lots of informative headings
• Write short sections
• Include only one issue in each designated
  paragraph

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How can you make your documents visually
appealing?

• Use vertical lists
• Use tested emphasis techniques to highlight
  important points
• Bold
• Italics
• Not ALL CAPS

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List of simpler words and phrases

• http//okhighered.org/grant-opps
• Grant Writing Resources

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Plain LanguageREVIEW

• Engage your reader
• Write clearly
• Write in a visually appealing style