| Back to Back Issues Page |
 |
|
Plain language: Editor's Notes #242 August 31, 2017 |
| Hello, Or, think as wise men do, but speak as the common people do. —Aristotle In this issue: 1. In plain language 2. Tickled my funny bone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 1. In plain language The plain language movement dates back at least to Aristotle as you can see from the quote that opens this issue of Editor’s Notes. From the mid-twentieth century onward, plain language became a focus of many writers world-wide in a wide range of languages. Some governments have adopted the practice of writing plain language throughout their publications. Plain language is easy to read, easy to understand, and easy for the reader to use. Some people mistakenly believe that those easy aspects mean that plain language is a way to dumb down information. Nothing could be further from the truth. Look again at what Aristotle told writers to do: think. And not simply to think, but to think as the wise think. I believe that we can truly write plain language only when we deeply understand our topic, what the reader needs to know, and how to best share that information with the reader. Once a writer thinks, thinks as the wise do, specific techniques flow. First comes the outline, an organizing principle that takes the reader through logical steps. Then the outline is fleshed out using everyday language in active voice and short sentences. Plain language is simple. It is easy to read. It is, however, not necessarily easy to write. Check your own writing for evidence of plain language. Correct any instance where you violate the principles of plan language. When you are ready, share your work with an editor. Editors like me love to help you make your message as plain as possible so your deep thinking comes across clearly to your audience. =========== 2.Tickled my funnybone If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong. =========== 3. Interesting Web site PLAIN stands for Plain Language Association International http://plainlanguagenetwork.org/plain-language/what-is-plain-language/ =========== 4. Writing prompt Here is a sentence written about plain language in US government documents. "The writing of documents in the standard vernacular English language will bolster and increase the accountability of government within America and will continue to more effectively save time and money in this country." Rewrite this in plain language using the guidelines from this issue. (Use the Interesting Web site link as well as what I’ve written.) I’d love to see your results. =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor Link on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/audreyowen (Email me first so I know how you know me.) =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html |
| Back to Back Issues Page |