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Writing in Plain Language
Rating: 4.3 out of 5(52 ratings)
153 students

Writing in Plain Language

Write emails and documents that are read, understood, and acted on
Created byBigger Brains
Last updated 11/2022
English
English

What you'll learn

  • Define plain language and describe why you should want to write in plain language
  • Describe your reader’s needs, taking into account state-specific literacy
  • Organize your content in a way that makes it most likely to be read, understood, and acted on
  • Write shorter sentences and paragraphs to serve your reader’s needs
  • Choose your words wisely for both readability, consistency, and relevance to your audience
  • Format your content appropriately to emphasize important points
  • Use bulleted lists the right way

Course content

2 sections • 12 lectures • 1h 15m total length

  • Defining Plain Language9:21

    Define plain language as writing that lets readers find, understand, and use information, even under stress, addressing state-specific literacy and audience needs with upfront main messages and clear instructions.

  • Organizing Your Content6:34

    Organize content with the inverted pyramid and bottom line up front to present main message. Use signposting, headings, and introductory statements to guide readers and tailor content to your audience.

  • Writing Shorter Sentences8:23

    Learn plain language techniques to write clearly by converting nominalizations to action verbs, shortening sentences to about 20 words, and using transitions and concise prepositional phrasing.

  • Using the Readability Tool6:59

    Demonstrate using the readability tool in Microsoft Word to measure your writing's grade level, understand its limits, and tailor health or safety information to a lower, accessible level.

  • Using Active Voice6:07

    Identify active versus passive voice by focusing on the doer and action, and learn when to emphasize the actor or the fact through song and business examples.

  • Choosing Your Words4:38

    Use your reader's words in plain language, avoid old-timey terms like endeavor or relative to, and maintain term consistency with modifiers across mentions.

  • Knowledge Check

Requirements

  • Access to a word processing software is recommended.

Description

Write emails and documents that are easily read and understood

We are overwhelmed with information today—in both our personal and business lives. When writing, it’s often better to get straight to the point. It’s important to maintain your professionalism and choose words that don’t waste your reader’s time. This course teaches you how to use plain language to get your point across while also addressing your reader’s needs.

What do they really need to know? What do you want them to do? We’ll teach you how to think about your reader’s purpose and write for them, so they get the message and your writing does its job.

Professional writer and editor Rebecca Schwartz will explain the benefits of using plain language that will meet the needs of your audience, and how to organize content to meet those needs. You’ll also learn how to choose the right words, and what tools are available to help you. You’ll even learn formatting techniques to help your readers identify important points.

Topics covered include:

  • Describing plain language

  • Identifying the needs of your audience

  • Understanding State-Specific Literacy

  • Organizing your content

  • Writing short sentences and paragraphs

  • Choosing words wisely

  • Formatting content to emphasize important points

  • Using bulleted lists

Enjoy over an hour of high-quality HD content in the “Uniquely Engaging”TM Bigger Brains Teacher-Learner style!

This course covers principles and guidelines included in the ISO 24495-1 standard for Plain Language.

Who this course is for:

  • Anyone who wants to better their written communication skills at work or home.

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