In my previous posts, I’ve emphasized the importance of disability inclusion and discussed language usage. Recently, I focused on reducing corporate jargon. Let’s replace that jargon with more accessible alternatives. Today, we’ll explore how plain language affects a business’s success.
We’ve all encountered hard-to-understand content, whether it’s a legal contract, a technical article, or an email from a colleague. Content written in plain language is easier to grasp, making it more effective and efficient for communication.
George Orwell once advised, “Avoid foreign phrases, scientific terms, or jargon when simpler English words suffice.” His words, written nearly 80 years ago, remain relevant.
While it’s clear that using plain language benefits businesses, let’s back it up with evidence. Consider this example from Joseph Kimble’s book, ‘Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please.’ Alberta Agriculture revamped its forms using plain language. As a result, they processed applications seven times faster, made 20% fewer mistakes in responses, and saved $3.5 million annually.
For practical tips and insights on writing in plain language, check out the Plain Language guide on Evolving Web.
No matter what your literacy level is, information that’s too complicated makes it harder to do everyday tasks. You can probably remember a time when you felt overwhelmed by complicated content, such legal terms and conditions. As plain language expert Deborah S. Bosley says: “people have a right to understand information that affects their life.”
https://evolvingweb.com/blog/plain-language-guide-how-write-inclusive-digital-content-2024
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