Plain Language

News and Events on Plain Language

47 posts

Why the American People Deserve a Digital Government

OMB released new policy guidance for government that includes a variety of actions and standards to help federal agencies design, develop, and deliver modern websites and digital services. Memo M-23-22, Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience, will make it seamless for the public to obtain government information and services online, and help agencies fully implement the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA). — via The White House

Sep 22, 2023

A conversation about content audits

Content audits can be tedious. Two content designers discuss why we do them anyway, and how to get started.

Posts by Michelle Rago Posts by Ryan Johnson

Sep 12, 2023

Inclusivity and automation

Bots can help us improve our inclusivity by gently nudging us to use more appropriate language, explaining why some terms are offensive, and prompting us to consider others.

Posts by Frances Carden

Aug 28, 2023

4 steps writers and editors can take to demonstrate value

As plain language writers and editors, we need to demonstrate the value we bring to projects. This writeup explains how to calculate the costs of our work and articulate its value.

Posts by Katherine Spivey Posts by Meredith Larson

Aug 08, 2023

The art of storytelling in a hybrid world

Combined with technology and audience awareness, our increasingly digital, hybrid world can still leverage that in-person charm through the art of storytelling.

Posts by Frances Carden

Apr 20, 2023

Plain language on onrr.gov: coordination and implementation with web content owners

Strategies, examples, and lessons learned from coordinating with content owners to enhance plain language on onrr.gov. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Mar 16, 2023

A happy compromise between people-first and plain language

Find out how the National Institute of Corrections is using people-first plain language in its communications. See what words and phrases they’re changing.

Posts by Celia A. Terrazas

Mar 07, 2023

How to manage a federal website

Managing government websites is a targeted exercise. Here are 5 steps to help you build and maintain a successful one.

Posts by Frances Carden

Feb 02, 2023

To Build Trust, Aim for Easy

Trust is earned through consistency and commitment. Build sites that build trust by considering user needs, respecting people’s time, and avoiding customer experience pitfalls.

Posts by Amanda Dean

Dec 13, 2022

Tips for communicating about your research with non-scientists

Using plain language to describe your work is not only important, it’s also part of the NIH mission and federal law. Here are some tips for telling the public about your research and why it matters.

Nov 09, 2022

Jargon Madness: A Plain Language Exercise

During the 2022 Plain Language Summit, Laura Rabuck of the Veterans Health Administration demonstrated how to promote plain language practices by focusing on jargon, a common enemy of all plain writers.

Posts by Joshua Hardy

Nov 07, 2022

User Research

Managing Stakeholder Feedback: Lessons from Experience

During the 2022 Plain Language Summit, Stephanie Morrison from the Department of Health and Human Services provided five tips for managing reviewers when asking for feedback.

Posts by Alexander Wilson

Oct 24, 2022

Content Design for beta.ADA.gov: Writing for Action and Flexibility

Content Design for beta.ADA.gov: Writing for Action and Flexibility—18F worked with a team at the Department of Justice to redesign ADA.gov. They helped them launch beta.ada.gov, and designed new content for some of the most sought-after ADA topics. — via 18F

Jul 13, 2022

Multilingual

10 Tips to Create, Maintain, and Present Non-English Digital Content: A Q&A with Michael Mulé

This question and answer session for our webinar, Language Connections: Tips to Create, Maintain, and Present Non-English Digital Content, can help you improve access to your multilingual digital content.

Posts by Michael Mulé

May 23, 2022

Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

During the Digital.gov and Plain Language Community event, Results of the 2021 Federal Report Card, speaker David Lipscomb gave examples of web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card. Here’s what we learned.

Posts by Mara Goldberg Posts by Gabby Fratanduono-King

Mar 11, 2022

Multilingual

Webinar Recap: How To Best Connect With Your Spanish-speaking Audience During an Emergency

In this panel discussion, experts from different agencies shared how they’ve used social media to reach Hispanic audiences during emergencies and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Posts by Mara Goldberg Posts by Gabby Fratanduono-King

Jan 24, 2022

Plain Language

Keynote Speaker Recap: Would More Plain Language Have Saved Us From the Worst of the Pandemic?

A summary of Cynthia Baur’s keynote at the 2021 Plain Language Summit.

Posts by Katherine Spivey Posts by Mara Goldberg Posts by Gabby Fratanduono-King

Jan 04, 2022

Plain Language

Webinar Recap: Key Takeaways on Simplifying Hazard Communications With Plain Language

An overview of the presentation by Danielle Nagele of NOAA at the 2021 Plain Language Summit. Learn how she and her team used feedback to decrease confusion and increase impact.

Posts by Rebecca Nelson

Jan 04, 2022

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