Plain Language Briefing NBCFAE

1. Plain Language Briefing NBCFAE Chris Bowers ATO Plain Language Coordinator Main Points You MUST run Powerpoint version2003 or to use this teaching program. A wireless mouse and keyboard will give you more flexibility Thank managers and course planners. Give your background and contact info. Discuss self-sustaining audience participation system (whoever is next in line answers the question, etc.---keeps everyone involved all the time). The instructor lectures for only ONE of the FIVE class hours. Goal is to learn and use Plain Language, but also to know and evaluate it in other people�s writing. That�s why there are group projects and contests in which we review and rate each other. Ask if everyone signed in and has the handouts and course evaluation. If someone is taking this for college credit, they MUST take the 5 question exam at the end of the class and you MUST keep the results. When students give you a completed course evaluation, you give them a certificate. Always send me the ELMS roster of people who complete the course. Ask if there are questions or requests. CLICK Main Points You MUST run Powerpoint version2003 or to use this teaching program. A wireless mouse and keyboard will give you more flexibility Thank managers and course planners. Give your background and contact info. Discuss self-sustaining audience participation system (whoever is next in line answers the question, etc.---keeps everyone involved all the time). The instructor lectures for only ONE of the FIVE class hours. Goal is to learn and use Plain Language, but also to know and evaluate it in other people�s writing. That�s why there are group projects and contests in which we review and rate each other. Ask if everyone signed in and has the handouts and course evaluation. If someone is taking this for college credit, they MUST take the 5 question exam at the end of the class and you MUST keep the results. When students give you a completed course evaluation, you give them a certificate. Always send me the ELMS roster of people who complete the course. Ask if there are questions or requests. CLICK

2.  What Is Plain Language? Language that helps users: Find what they need Understand what they find the first time they read or hear it Use what they find to meet their needs

3.  What Is Plain Language? Is NOT a solution to every problem Don�t write for everyone -- write only for your READER There�s NO need to use plain language for everything you write�only those times when you must be clear and understood. Plain language should not replace all other types of writing. And, you don�t need to write so EVERY person can understand it. That�s not the goal. You only need to write so your READER understands. If you reader understands jargon, then use it because it�s plain language to that reader. Perhaps the easiest guidance is to �write the way you speak!� There�s NO need to use plain language for everything you write�only those times when you must be clear and understood. Plain language should not replace all other types of writing. And, you don�t need to write so EVERY person can understand it. That�s not the goal. You only need to write so your READER understands. If you reader understands jargon, then use it because it�s plain language to that reader. Perhaps the easiest guidance is to �write the way you speak!�

4. Reader-Focused Writing It�s not what you write---it�s what your reader UNDERSTANDS!