The document is written to meet
the needs of the intended audience,
so the information is understand
as quickly as possible.
The language is straightforward;
the use of clichés,
jargon and industry terminology
is avoided.
It is effective. The reader
can understand the message
immediately.
Plain language is an approach
to communication that begins
with the needs of the reader.
consider
Who will be reading this
document? Determine who
you are writing for and
what they need to know.
Is this document a "how-to"
document? Is this new information
that requires background
information? Are you trying
to change the way people
behave?
Make sure you have the
document focused on what
is needed. Limit the information
to what is needed.
Is this document a quick
reference tool? Make sure
the necessary information
is presented in an easy
to read format.
Will this document be part
of a display? Should the
style and graphics be coordinated
with other parts of the
display?
Do you want the people reading
this document to do or remember
something? Make sure that
information is presented early
in the document and repeated
with explanations.
