Why many people are not doing this work

The idea of simplifying communication isn't new, but many are talking about it for the first time. It's often called “plain language”, which I think is a more boring and less comprehensive way to refer to this important topic. 

Governors, local agencies, and school districts are passing plain language initiatives. See examples of two below my signature.

It’s about access, inclusion, and trust. Those things can't improve if people don’t understand you or they don't read your communication. 

Many people don’t recognize how difficult and important it is to simplify well. They don’t think they need training. 

Three other reasons why many people do not pursue training on this topic: 

1. Misconceptions. Many people think simplifying communication means “dumbing down” communication or removing the beauty from language. 

2. Power.  Language exclusion can keep people in positions of power while keeping others disempowered. That exclusion can be intentional or not.  

3. Extra work. We often write an email and hit “send” before taking time to consider if it could be clearer or concise, while maintaining the tone we want.  

Training is an efficient investment of 2-3 hours that addresses all of these with real-life examples in 2-3 hours!

A lot of people have said the training has impacted their personal life too

Resources:

Plain Language Executive Order information:

“Our administration’s Plain Language Initiative will help ensure that every piece of writing that comes out of our administration – in print and online – is simple, accessible, and easy to read. This is what it looks like to leave no one behind.” – Governor Wes Moore, MD. 

Maryland’s Plain Language Executive Order

Washington state’s Plain Language Executive Order