How do you use plain language and avoid jargon and acronyms?

I believe plain and simple language is important for content creation because it helps the readers to understand and act on the message easily. It increases the readability and accessibility of the content for a wider audience. Also if the content avoids jargon, technical terms, and unnecessary words, it reduces the risk of misunderstanding, confusion, or errors.

This legal obligation emphasizes the importance of accessible and easily understandable content for the general public. In the legal sector, for example, using plain language is crucial to ensure that legal documents are comprehensible to a broader audience. Compliance with such regulations is imperative for industries where clarity and accessibility in communication are legal requirements, reinforcing the commitment to transparent and straightforward language, especially in fields like law and government.

Plain language is the cornerstone of effective communication. It transcends legal mandates, serving as a bridge to clarity and inclusivity. By removing jargon and acronyms, content becomes universally accessible, aligning with WCAG principles. It’s about respecting the user’s time and cognitive load, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with content effortlessly and equitably.

better definition of plain language: does it mean not using words with more than three syllables? not having to run to the dictionary to find the meaning of a word?

As a language psychologist, I always recommend my team members to think like children: simple syntax in sentence structure: subject, verb, DO or IO without any unnecessary clauses. Plain language is not just about the words, it is also about how we structure those words and the number of characters in each word. Keeping it simple also includes writing for localization if your product is global. The additional linguistic reasoning is quite complex but if you want to go deep, plain language also m means how many consonants and vowels words have. Simple language is about knowing what different words will trigger in the brain and how different users consume content. In the end, we write for the user, not for us...

It is really important to remember who your audience is. Sometimes it is not possible to avoid jargons and acronyms, particularly in the immigration law field. Since you cannot assume that everyone who sees your content will have your level of experience or knowledge, it is always important to define terms of art that are relevant to your field. If you clearly define such terms of art in the introduction to your content, then you can use the jargon/acronym throughout the document without concern that it will cause confusion.

Como un consejo extra para identificar si se trata de jerga y si los usuarios van a entenderlo, está bien preguntar al equipo de Research, que es el que más contacto tiene con ellos. Si no existe o no es posible, puede ser interesante preguntarse si personas a tu alrededor (pero ajenas a tu contexto laboral) entenderían un texto con esos términos o necesitarían apoyo o contexto.

Jargon and acronyms, while efficient among peers, can alienate a broader audience. It’s vital to assess their necessity and the audience’s familiarity with them. When in doubt, opt for simplicity and clarity. This ensures content is inclusive and comprehensible, fostering a connection with the reader and enhancing the user experience by making information accessible to all.

language simplifies reading and skimming through content. However the use of jargon, acronyms, and industry lingo depends on the target audience. In my experience, every group or company crafts its own language, replete with jargon unique to itself. It's a simple manifestation of human tribalism. I would recommend doing an etymological survey on words that are not in a typical dictionary.

Start by identifying the common jargons and acronyms used in the industry you are working in. Speak with marketing and product teams about it and make a list. Sort the list with the common and known, technical, and unknown jargons and acronyms to the users. Then check if any of these are used in your website/app. In this way you can identify jargons and acronyms.

When I need to simplify complex terms or concepts, I think through how I would explain the concept to a second-grader. This often leads to a longer explanation, so the next step is to make the copy more concise. I've found this to be a great way to explain things in clear and simple terms.

For instance, in healthcare, communicate medical information in a way that patients can comprehend. Instead of medical jargon, opt for clear and simple terms to enhance understanding. Replace complex acronyms with their full, understandable counterparts. In finance, for example, explain concepts without assuming prior knowledge, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience. By prioritizing clarity and user understanding, you create inclusive and effective communication. This practice is particularly crucial in industries like healthcare and finance, where information impacts individuals' well-being or financial decisions, highlighting the importance of clear and relatable language.

In short, speak with a universal tone. Instagram's target demo is 18-35, but using inclusive copy helps Grandma Addy navigate through the website. Help the user think less and do more.

In writing, always spell out the acronym upon first reference. For example, if I'm talking about defibrillators, I would say, "Most buildings have an automated external defibrillator (AED) located at the lobby." Later in the text, I can say "AED" because I've already given the audience its meaning.

Plain language is not about diluting content but ensuring it resonates with the audience. It’s about choosing words wisely, crafting concise sentences, and using active voice to foster clear communication. Employing examples and analogies demystifies complex concepts while spelling out acronyms aids understanding. This approach not only enhances accessibility but also strengthens the connection with the reader.

With the rise of ChatGPT (and other AI tools), you can easily rewrite your paragraphs or sentences by using a simple prompt such as "Rewrite this in plain English:". You can also add additional context about your audience to ChatGPT by using a prompt such as, "Rewrite this in plain English for an audience who know nothing about professional sports:"

Conduct usability testing or readability assessments to evaluate the clarity and effectiveness of your content. Ask representative users to review your content and provide feedback on its clarity, understandability, and ease of use. Use readability tools or formulas to assess the readability level of your text and make adjustments as needed.

Without a doubt tools such as Hemingway and Grammarly can help, but I do find their suggestions can sometimes be less natural than what I've written. Formal user testing is invaluable but expensive. Doing a crit / critique with colleagues can often be the quickest, cheapest and most human way to test if what you've written is gold or garbage.

Your product and target audience should always guide your decisions. For example, on a job search/hiring platform, I must consider if a recruiter or job applicant is the intended user. Recruiters use technical terms that have very specific meanings for their jobs. Those complex words are the strongest choices in flows that serve recruiters, but would be confusing jargon in flows that serve job applicants. Content is not jargon if it makes sense to your user!

You can test your plain language by seeking feedback from the users not so familiar with the niche you're writing for. Or the users who are new and want to learn about what you're writing.

First off, understand what plain language is. It's all about writing content so clearly that your audience gets it the first time they read it. No head-scratching, no re-reading. Picture your audience. Who are they? What do they dig? Plain language isn't one-size-fits-all; it adapts to its readers. So, if you're writing for teens, your style will be different than if you're writing for retirees. Keep it simple unless you’re 100% sure your audience speaks your lingo. Jargon, technical terms, and acronyms can turn a potentially cool message into a confusing mess. Long sentences and giant paragraphs can be a drag. Keep things concise. If a sentence is turning into a mini-novel, break it up. Remember, white space is your friend.

In sectors like education, for instance, regularly reviewing plain language examples is vital for honing communication skills. Pay close attention to word choice, sentence structure, tone, and format. Analyze how plain language is effectively employed in diverse contexts, ensuring a nuanced understanding of its application. This continual learning process is particularly beneficial in education, where effective communication is paramount. Apply insights gained from studying plain language examples to iteratively enhance your own content, fostering a commitment to clear and accessible communication in industries where education and information dissemination are key, such as academia and instructional design.

As an ESL speaker in tech, I’ve found that mastering plain language is key to clear communication, especially when writing for software tools. I started by reading well-written tech blogs to understand sentence structure and word choice better. Regularly, I draft clear, simple updates and ask for feedback to improve. This has made my writing more accessible to global colleagues and sharpened my thinking. Engaging with online plain language forums has also been great for learning best practices and connecting with others facing similar challenges. This ongoing improvement has truly enhanced my role in tech.

Here are some simple tricks to implement plain language intuitively: 1. Use short sentences. 2. Inject numbers and figures, where relevant. 3. Break text down into easy-to-browse sections like numbered lists, bullet points, tables. 4. Use active voice when writing. 5. Keep your tone conversational. 6. Avoid double negatives and audit sentences for redundancies. 7. Give full forms of acronyms. 8. Make at least 3 people read your work and take feedback on: clarity, conciseness, consistency, and context-setting.

Consider the cultural and linguistic diversity of your audience when using plain language. Avoid idiomatic expressions, slang, or culturally specific references that may be confusing or misunderstood by people from different backgrounds. Additionally, prioritize user-centered design principles and tailor your communication to meet the needs and preferences of your audience.

Ditch the jargon: "Plain language" can sound bland. Frame it as "clear communication" or "writing that puts customers first." Speak their language, show the impact: Run an experiment! Compare technical jargon with clear writing. Let stakeholders see firsthand how clear communication boosts engagement. Data speaks volumes: Back your arguments with research. Share studies that show how clear language paves the way for successful B2B marketing. Numbers convince even the most skeptical minds. Clarity trumps complexity in every avenue of communication. Using plain language is about more than catering to your readers — it sets the standard for clear communication in general. As marketers, it’s your job to keep raising the bar.

Avoid jargon & acronyms, except when jargon & acronyms would be better. Sometimes the content is aimed straight at industry geeks & nerds. Then go ahead and geek away. Avoid it when going after a more mainstream audience. Tailor for the audience, not for you own convenience as a writer.