What do an organizational executive director, a training professional, two communication consultants and a program director have in common. They are all on the Successfully Integrating Plain Language: How Literacy, Essential Skills, Communications and Training Professionals Use Plain Language panel I am hosting at PLAIN2013.

With past experience in all these fields - some involving plain language services - I am curious to see how these professionals articulate their plain language integration experiences. 

I think plain language is the glue that holds a message and a reader or user together. Without it, the connection can be fragile. Clear communications has the power to bridge gaps, increase usability, and create results. In today's marketplace, we must be aware of the need to deliver messages that are read. Plain language is a great step to making that happen.

I recently edited a standard city property tax notice, using plain language guidelines, for the version that went into the local print media. 
The proof is in the pudding. Seeing is believing. But, there is so much to learn about how plain language is evolving, can be used and integrated into all we do. That's why I will be at PLAIN2013. The program is going to help me fill up my tool kit, so I can integrate plain language even more. See you there!

Register now for PLAIN2013 to take advantage of the early bird registration.

Plain language has always been about readers, users, viewers and listeners accessing information and acting on it. So has the term 'plain language' lost its impact? Do we need to progress to accessible language? Or, clear language? These and other topics surrounding the application of plain language will be debated, options explored and ideas reformed at the PLAIN 2013 Conference in Vancouver, Oct 10-13.

Plain language has been slowly working its way into government, legal, education, health and other fields for several decades. But, it really gets attention when a city or province or country tackles this mammoth task. Calgary, Alberta is a recent example.

It started with Ald. Druh Farrell proposing the city re-vive its plain language policy and live by it (July 2011). The mayor supported and staff started out on the plain language journey - with promotions, training and projects. This is how it is supposed to happen. One step at a time. And, the people who have to put the plan into practice are the ones who need the 'clearest' understanding about the role 'accessibility' plays in the process. This action is getting a lot of media attention - which is good, regardless of their take on it. Talking about plain language is a huge part of getting a policy, plan or project in motion. (Check out Key Advice Facebook Page for key links in this discussion).

This Plain 2013 conference blog post highlights how it is exploring the concept and practice of accessibility in everything from its plenary panel to World Cafe round robin sessions. And, it  will be discussed, debated and re-defined by everyone there. From these interactions, plain language and accessibility will be clarified and perhaps a new 'name' for this important practice will be formed.
However, I don't think the name is as important as the practice. So call it what you will - just ensure 'accessibility' is at the heart of everything you do. And, get it integrated into your organization's strategy.

The State of the Literacy and Essential Skills Field Pan- Canadian Report is the Canadian Literacy and Learning Network's latest 'environmental scan' of Canada's literacy and essential skills status. It's a broad view of where we are and plain language does get a mention. But, only a small one. How can plain language play a bigger role?

The report highlights youth, seniors, immigrants and aboriginals as key players in the future of our growth (GDP) and economic development as a nation. One thing many of these key sector members share is language skill diversity. Like all workers, skill development is the glue that will strengthen their roles in the workplace, and hold our economy together as we face future challenges. But, for people with literacy or essential skill challenges, acquiring, using and enhancing skills is directly linked to comprehension. Plain language is the key to ensuring training - particularly materials - meet their needs.

Yet, still the new kid on the block, plain language's mention comes as a report recommendation for governments:
"1. Implement a plain language policy for all print materials in all languages." Page 70. 

This is just the tip of the plain language discussion iceberg. We need to strengthen our ties with literacy and essential skills fields. We need plain language to be a key player, not just a mention, in studies. Now is the time. 

Come to PLAIN 2013 Conference in Vancouver, Oct 10 -13. An exciting panel discussion is planned with representatives from literacy, essential skills, training and plain language fields. The panel will take the pulse of this key topic and see if there is a future for a healthy relationship.

Too often content comes at the bottom of the communication or website planning list. In fact, over half of website launches are delayed due to content issues coming up at the end of the process, instead of at the beginning. And, a lot of time is wasted re-writing print content, because defining the 'who' and asking for audience input was left out or left too late. At the Literacy and Learning Symposium 2012, Terri Peters and I presented "The Power of Plain Language – telling the story straight".  She dealt with the print side, and, I looked at plain language website tips. Here are some key points we shared.

Always start with the 5 Ws: who, why, what, where, when. Spend time carefully, and deeply analyzing your audience (who) and purpose (why). All content decisions should be made based on these two key points.

Website audiences can be categorized as user who are skimmers - on a mission to find something, fast. Website users scan in an F pattern, seeking headings, subheadings and links.  Readers scan also. Are you giving your readers and visitors what they want? The best way is to ask and involve them. See the links below for some tips.

Plain language is all about accessibility. Print design is about being reader-friendly. And websites are all about usability. Putting print and web design together with plain language can deliver powerful results. 

Today's audiences are media savvy. They want visual and audio options, as well as text. Give them video, podcasts, galleries. Satisfy their hunger. But, don't over do it. The easyread.drugabuse.gov site is a great example of the blending of written and visual elements.  And, in print - use simple and realistic graphics, supported by a readable font, and a design that uses lots of white space.

With the help of an experienced assessor, carry out usability testing before you go live or go to print. You'll be glad you did.

Put your readers first; put content at the beginning the communications plan; and follow plain language guidelines from start to finish. The results will be satisfying – for you and your users.

Here are more helpful links:

Power of Plain Language Bibliography

Usability testing sites:
www.Online-utility.org
read-able.com (web content)
readabliity-score.com

Sample plain language websites:
easyread.drugabuse.gov                
www.gov.ns.ca/wcat 
www.thewclc.ca/edge                              
www.literacy.ca
sarn.ca

If this looks like the kind of presentation you'd like for your organization, please contact me, Kate Harrison Whiteside at
[email protected] or Terri Peters, TLP Training at, [email protected] 

Mark Your Calendars for Plain Language Association International's PLAIN2013 Conference in Vancouver - Oct 10-13, 2013. Celebrate with us...Keep searching for PLAIN2013. The website is coming soon.