Writing and Training

Plain Language: Write Better

Offered as a one-day or half-day session, this course teaches you the fundamentals of plain language writing. You will learn how to recognize materials that need rewriting and how to write content that is clear, straightforward and effective.

Clear communication is key to good writing. In this course, we will introduce you to the fundamentals of plain language and teach you how to apply it to your own work. Through hands-on exercises, you will learn to:

• appreciate the need for plain language writing
• recognize writing that needs to be rewritten
• write materials in plain language

Course materials include "before" and "after" writing samples, explanations of the 10 plain language techniques, and an easy-to-use checklist.

The plain language writing techniques include:

• Plain words and common expressions

  Learn how to recognize and replace complex language or technical jargon with familiar words and expressions.

• Short sentences

  Short sentences are easier to read. Learn how to break thoughts into manageable units so that readers get the message quickly and easily.

• Unpacking embedded ideas

  In long, complex sentences, important ideas often get buried. Find out how to unpack these ideas and place them where they’ll get noticed.

• Active voice

  Discover how putting the "doer" of the action first makes sentences shorter, livelier and easier to read.

• Smothered verbs

  In formal writing, simple verbs tend to become complex noun structures. Learn how to identify smothered verbs and turn them back into active verbs.

• Unnecessary modifiers

  Find out how to use adverbs and adjectives without overkill.

• Personal pronouns and polite expressions

  Learn to speak to rather than about your reader.

• Positive tone

  Nobody likes no. Find out how to put a positive spin on any message.

• Paragraph logic, unity and coherence

  Build it well and your readers will come. Learn to construct clear, readable documents by controlling paragraph structure and content.

• Document layout

  Discover simple design techniques to improve the readability of your writing.

To find out more, contact Diana Berris at 613-234-8468, ext. 230, or .