Do you want your writing to be easily understood? Writing in Plain English puts the emphasis on clarity, making sure your audience grasps your message straightaway.
The key principles of plain English are:
1. Simple words: Choose common words over unnecessarily long words or jargon. For example, say “use” instead of “utilise.”
2. Short sentences: Aim for clear, concise sentences. Keeping sentences under 20 words makes them easier to read and digest.
3. Active voice: Use active voice whenever possible. For example, instead of “The decision was made by the committee”, say “The committee made the decision.” Active voice makes your writing more engaging.
4. Clear structure: Organise your content logically. Use headings and bullet points to break up the text, helping readers follow your ideas easily.
5. Important information first: Most people skim-read. Make sure your main point is at the start of the paragraph, not buried in the middle of it.
6. Visuals: Where it’s helpful, include charts, graphs or images. They can improve readability and keep your audience engaged.
Writing in Plain English is about respecting your readers’ time. It’s not about dumbing down your content – it’s about making sure you communicate your message clearly and powerfully.
This is my rule of thumb: If someone has to re-read a sentence, it should probably be changed.
If you’d like help transforming your writing into clear, concise and compelling content, please get in touch. I’d be happy to discuss how I can help you. Would a free Discovery call be useful?
