Plain Language
WRITING
USER-FRIENDLY
DOCUMENTS
PLAIN LANGUAGE WEBSITE
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http://www.plainlanguage.gov/
Plain Language
WRITING USER-FRIENDLY
DOCUMENTS
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An online tutorial
A reference manual
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/
INTRODUCTION –
How can we be better
writers?
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Engage your reader
Write clearly
Write in a visually appealing style
How can you engage your
readers?
 Identify
your audience
 Organize to meet your reader’s needs
 Use a question-and-answer format
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
How can you write more clearly?
 Use
short sentences
 Write to one person, not to a group.
 Use the simplest tense you can.
How can you write more clearly?
 Use
“must” to convey requirements
 Place words carefully
 Use “if-then” tables
How can you write more clearly?
 Avoid
words and constructions that
cause confusion
 Use contractions when appropriate
How can you make your
documents visually appealing?
 Use
lots of informative
headings
 Write short sections
 Include only one issue in each
designated paragraph
How can you make your
documents visually appealing?
Use vertical lists
 Use tested emphasis techniques to
highlight important points
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– Bold
– Italics
– Not ALL CAPS
List of simpler words and
phrases
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http://okhighered.org/grant-opps
Grant Writing Resources
Plain Language
REVIEW
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Engage your reader
Write clearly
Write in a visually appealing style