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Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English). 11 October 2011. Presenter: Jo Menzies, Communications Officer. What is Plain English?.

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Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

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  1. Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English) 11 October 2011 Insert name of presentation on Master Slide Presenter: Jo Menzies, Communications Officer

  2. What is Plain English? • Plain English is presenting information so that, in one reading, the intended audience can read, understand and act upon it. • It is clear, straightforward expression that does not use any more words than are necessary. Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  3. What is Plain English? • It’s the difference between ... “High-quality learning environments are a necessary precondition for facilitation and enhancement of the ongoing learning process” and .... “Children need good schools to learn properly” Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  4. What is Plain English? • It’s the difference between ... “If there are any points on which you require explanation or further particulars we shall be glad to furnish such additional details as may be required by telephone” and .... “Phone if you have any questions” Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  5. Why is it important? • The average reading age in the UK is the equivalent of an educated 11-year-old child. • We need to remember when writing documents that most people do not respond well to complicated language. Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  6. When should I use Plain English? • The golden rule is that Plain English should be used in any information the public might use to help them make a decision. • This includes leaflets, posters, forms, web pages – anything written with the public in mind. Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  7. Plain English and health literacy “The ability and motivation level of an individual to access, understand and evaluate both narrative and numeric information to promote, manage and improve their health status throughout their life time.” Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  8. How do I write in Plain English? Plan your writing before you begin ... • Who is the audience? How old are they? Where do they live? What do they already know about this subject? Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  9. How do I write in Plain English? Some tips ... • Keep to the essentials • Use everyday words • Keep to 15-20 words per sentence • Use lists and bulletpoints to break up text Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  10. How do I write in Plain English? Some tips ... • Get to the point quickly! • Avoid jargon • Use active verbs, not passive verbs Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  11. What are active verbs? Some examples ... “I’m going to send this letter” NOT “This letter will be sent by me.” “The manager wrote the policy” NOT “The policy was written by the manager.” Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  12. How would you improve this? “I would advise you that in the event of the fire bell sounding, evacuation of the building by all personnel should proceed immediately, followed by assembly in the vicinity of the car park.” Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  13. How would you improve this? “In consequence of the non-payment of the above-mentioned account an employee of our company will call at your residence with the purpose of disconnecting the supply.” Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  14. What else do I need to know? • Public Health Wales has a Language Style Guide. • This covers other aspects of clear, consistent writing as well as some advice on using Plain English. Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  15. Plain English Campaign • Set up in 1979 to fight jargon and confusing language and promote clarity in documents written by public bodies. www.plainenglish.co.uk Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  16. For more information ... Contact the Communications Team 029 2034 8755 4th floor, 14 Cathedral Road, Cardiff Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

  17. Thank you for listening! Any questions? Transfer of knowledge into audience-pertinent parlance (or the importance of Plain English)

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