The 2012 Clearmark Plain Language Awardshave been announced. As a 3-time judge for the government web and media entries, I have to tell you – this is a stellar group. The quality of entries in this awards program has improved by leaps and bounds, over the past 3 years. The winners give government agencies someRead… Read more »
Search Results for: plain language
Clearmark/Wondermark Plain Language Awards Are Important to Customer Service
I’ve said this hundreds of times: if we don’t communicate effectively, we don’t serve effectively. It’s as simple – and as difficult- as that. If customers can’t understand what you have to offer, can’t understand where to find it or what they’re supposed to do with it, then they can’t use your services. And you’veRead… Read more »
White House Calls Federal Agencies’ BLUF: Says Use Plain Language
The Plain Writing Act of 2010 called on federal agencies to simplify the language used in issuing rules and regulations. As a part of the Open Government movement, federal agencies were to use plain, common English in official correspondence rather than writing in government-speak – a language commonly known for using a dozen words whereRead… Read more »
Join Web Manager University for two free plain language training events:
11/29 – Plain Language Basics12/9 – Plain Language Writing for the Web Plain Language Basics This seminar will provide an update on plain writing principles and the law. If you write content for external customers and the general public—press releases, emails, articles, newsletters, etc.—this seminar is for you. You will: Gain a better understanding ofRead… Read more »
Do you need additional plain language training? Join Web Manager University for these free events!
Join us for these upcoming WMU classes in October. Oct 18 (1:00pm – 4:00pm ET) Plain Language Basics Join us in this half day seminar where we’ll discuss the Plain Writing Act of 2010, plain language principles, plain language techniques, and give you an opportunity to apply learned plain language techniques in class! Fee: freeRead… Read more »
Now That We Have Plain Language: Should We Also Have Plain Processes?
I love the Plain Language Act. Especially the part concerning plain-language websites which gives me plenty of opportunities to advocate the merits of information architecture and user experience (IA and UX). But providing information is only part of what government agencies do. Agencies also provide services. Services such as providing Social Security to licensing vehiclesRead… Read more »
Plain Language Win: USDA’s ChooseMyPlate.gov
Eat more vegetables. Use a smaller plate. Eat foods with ingredients your great-grandmother would recognize. Simple, right? How about this: Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. That last one comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Surprised by the simplicity? Earlier this month, the USDA replaced its food pyramid with a plate. DividedRead… Read more »
The Government Man and the Plain Language Act
With all of the hoopla about the Plain Language Act, the Government Man thought this would be a perfect opportunity to spread some wisdom and of course hype his own creation. In my book, Confessions of a Government Man, I devote an entire chapter to “Language of Government.” Maybe our lawmakers read it prior toRead… Read more »
Web Manager University offers new Plain Language Distance Learning Course starting May 19-June 6
Now that federal agencies are required to train their employees in plain language writing, per the Plain Writing Act of 2010, we’re offering a new distance learning course on Plain Language, Write Great Web Content: Plain Language in Action. This four-part pilot course is a great opportunity for you to help shape plain language trainingRead… Read more »
Recruitment 411: Plain Language Please
For those of us in recruitment, plain language can be the difference between a message that grabs a job seeker’s attention, and a message that is literally lost in translation. Every good govie knows plain language is not only good sense – it’s the law. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 was signed by PresidentRead… Read more »