Transcript of video:
(00:01) What Plain Language Is
This video is about the use of plain language whenever you are writing on digital content. So what is it? Plain language or plain text is a way to communicate to help ensure that information is clear, concise and easy to understand understand for all audiences.
We want to make written or spoken content accessible so that people can find what they need, understand what they find and use the information to meet their needs. Here's an example.
(00:31) Plain Language Example
The educator elucidated the methodology for resolving the mathematical equation in a sequential manner. Is that plain language?
How about this instead? The teacher explained how to solve the math problem step by step, clear, concise, and just enough to convey what is important.
(00:57) Who Plain Language Helps
So, who primarily plain language helps people with cognitive disabilities or language processing differences.
But who else does it help? Multilingual learners, people new to a topic. Think of students, busy readers scanning for key information, or anyone under stress, tired or distracted.
(00:57–01:31) Where to Use Plain Language
Plain language should be used wherever you write on digital content, including social media and email.
So, how do write for your audience? Simple words, simple sentences, and positive language all help convey the meaning in a very clear way.
(01:31) What to Avoid
Don't use complex and overly academic language like our example before. Don't use jargon or abbreviations or acronyms because not everybody understands those. You need to make things clear.
(01:31–01:52) What Plain Language Is Not
Plain language is not dumbing down your information. It's not sacrificing precision in your content, but it's also not an automatic process.
(01:52) Tools
You do need to consider your audience, but you could use tools. There are many tools out there to help you rewrite your um things that you write, including AI.
(01:52–end) Closing Reminder
Don't forget to visit our ESU10 accessibility resources hub at a11y.esu10.org and visit us in office hours if you need some one-on-one help on Mondays from 8:00 to 9:00 or at any other time you want to make an appointment.