How do you collaborate and get feedback on your plain language writing projects?

2 Establish roles and expectations

Another tip to collaborate and get feedback effectively is to establish clear roles and expectations for yourself and your collaborators. For example, you can define who is the writer, the reviewer, the approver, and the final editor of your project. You can also set deadlines, guidelines, and criteria for each stage of the writing process. By doing this, you can avoid confusion, duplication, and conflict, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3 Seek diverse perspectives

A third tip to collaborate and get feedback on your plain language writing projects is to seek diverse perspectives from different sources. For example, you can ask for feedback from your co-workers, clients, subject matter experts, or potential users of your document. You can also use methods like surveys, interviews, focus groups, or usability tests to gather feedback from your audience. By doing this, you can gain valuable insights, identify gaps, and address questions or concerns that may arise.

4 Be open and respectful

A fourth tip to collaborate and get feedback on your plain language writing projects is to be open and respectful to the opinions and suggestions of others. For example, you can listen actively, ask questions, acknowledge strengths, and consider alternatives. You can also explain your rationale, provide evidence, and justify your choices. By doing this, you can build trust, rapport, and understanding with your collaborators, and foster a positive and constructive feedback culture.

5 Incorporate feedback wisely

A fifth tip to collaborate and get feedback on your plain language writing projects is to incorporate feedback wisely. For example, you can review the feedback carefully, sort out the relevant and useful ones, and prioritize the changes that will improve your document. You can also balance the feedback with your own judgment, goals, and standards, and avoid making unnecessary or excessive changes. By doing this, you can maintain your plain language principles, while satisfying the needs and expectations of your collaborators and audience.

6 Review and revise

A final tip to collaborate and get feedback on your plain language writing projects is to review and revise your document until it is ready for publication or delivery. For example, you can check your document for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and coherence. You can also use tools like readability tests, checklists, or plain language guidelines to ensure that your document meets the plain language criteria. By doing this, you can polish your document and ensure that it is of high quality and effectiveness.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?