Why Plain Language?
We're all busy people. We don't want to waste a lot of time "translating" difficult, wordy documents. Plain-language writing saves time. If we save time, we save money. Plain language is good customer service and makes life easier for the public.
Plain language means readers understand your documents more quickly. Readers call less often for explanations. They make fewer errors filling out forms. They comply more accurately and quickly with requirements. If your customers don't understand your documents, you may have to:
- Answer phone calls
- Write explanatory letters
- Write an explanatory document
- Litigate
Though no one knows the total cost of poor communication, the information we do have suggests it's high. Writing in plain language isn't easy, but it pays off in positive results.
