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Plain Language

Learn how to engage readers, write clearly, and create visually appealing documents with plain language writing techniques. Discover tips on audience identification, organization, tone, and visual design to enhance your communication.

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Plain Language

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  1. Plain Language WRITING USER-FRIENDLY DOCUMENTS

  2. PLAIN LANGUAGE WEBSITE • http://www.plainlanguage.gov/

  3. Plain LanguageWRITING USER-FRIENDLY DOCUMENTS • An online tutorial • A reference manual • http://www.plainlanguage.gov/

  4. INTRODUCTION – How can we be better writers? • Engage your reader • Write clearly • Write in a visually appealing style

  5. How can you engage your readers? • Identify your audience • Organize to meet your reader’s needs • Use a question-and-answer format

  6. How can you engage your readers? • Use “you” and other pronouns to speak directly to the readers • Use the active voice • Use the appropriate tone

  7. How can you write more clearly? • Use short sentences • Write to one person, not to a group. • Use the simplest tense you can.

  8. How can you write more clearly? • Use “must” to convey requirements • Place words carefully • Use “if-then” tables

  9. How can you write more clearly? • Avoid words and constructions that cause confusion • Use contractions when appropriate

  10. How can you make your documents visually appealing? • Use lots of informative headings • Write short sections • Include only one issue in each designated paragraph

  11. How can you make your documents visually appealing? • Use vertical lists • Use tested emphasis techniques to highlight important points • Bold • Italics • Not ALL CAPS

  12. List of simpler words and phrases • http://okhighered.org/grant-opps • Grant Writing Resources

  13. Plain LanguageREVIEW • Engage your reader • Write clearly • Write in a visually appealing style

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