The Power of Plain Language

Plain language is “communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.” The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires all federal agencies to create clear communication which the public can easily understand and use.

In particular, plain language is important because it saves your audience time and money by making content easier to understand, access, and use.

As a result, clear and concise communication allows your staff to spend less time responding to questions about the content. In addition, plain language empowers the American people to make better health decisions, access healthcare benefits, and find healthcare information.

However, when you do not use plain language, you confuse your audience and spend more time revising or clarifying content.

Ultimately, applying the following pillars of plain language positively impacts your audience’s ability to understand and act on written information.

The ten pillars of plain language are:

1. Write content for your intended audience.
2. Organize content logically to serve your reader's needs.
3. Use the simplest tense (present tense) possible.
4. Verify that the content has useful headings.
5. Use active voice and pronouns to address your reader.
6. Ensure content has short sections and short sentences.
7. Use base verbs and avoid hidden verbs.
8. Verify that the content is concise and uses simple words and phrases.
9. Place words carefully (avoid significant gaps between the subject, the verb, and the object).
10. Simplify complex materials by using lists and tables.

For more information about plain language, refer to:

• CMS Toolkit for Making Written Material Clear and Effective
• Plain Language Checklists and Handouts
• Plain Language Law and Requirements
• Plain Language Training Resources