Plain language vs. Easy English
Plain language’s aim is to ensure that people can access (understand and use) the information they need to lead better lives. But there’s also Easy English. The two share core …
Tag: international audiences
How to use jargon effectively, responsibly, and inclusively
Most of us have heard that jargon is terrible. Is it really so terrible? And is there any way to use jargon well? For those of you who just want …
Quick tip: Rephrase negatives into positives
Here’s an easy tip to help you write more clearly: if you can, rephrase negatives into positives. This is especially useful when you’re writing instructions and test or survey questions. …
PODCAST: A Quick Dip into plain language
In a brief 15 minutes, Sarah Black and I dip into plain language and its role in supporting accessible communication across cultures, in a new podcast A Quick Dip.
Plain language as a bridge where there is no shared culture
In diverse settings, we can’t rely on “common sense” to communicate. That’s why we need plain language: to make the unspokens explicit. In 2022, I went to Tokyo to attend …
Non-designers can design for better readability: 3 simple principles
Making your text more readable will help you reach more people. And there are simple principles that even non-designers can use. Readability isn’t about making things look pretty. It’s about …
Are phrasal verbs difficult? Writing for international readers
Looking up phrasal verbs in a dictionary is a pain. That’s why you may want to reconsider using them if you’re writing for non-fluent English speakers. Plain language guidelines suggest …
Some contractions are easier than others: Writing for international readers
Do you use contractions (like “it’s” and “don’t”) in your writing? I do! But some kinds of contractions may be easier than others for readers to follow. Do you use …
How to write clear English for your diverse audiences
We’re advised to tailor our writing to our audiences. But what if our intended audience is very diverse? What can we do to write as clearly as possible?
PODCAST: How to write effectively & inclusively, on Tandem Nomads
Yikes, I was interviewed on the Tandem Nomads podcast! We talked about how to write effective and inclusive content.