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What is Plain Language?

 , updated on August 31, 2016
Plain language is clear, succinct writing or speech designed to be understood. It avoids verbosity, jargon, obscure slang and needless complexity that make language less accessible to a wide audience. It's also associated with directly stating facts and quickly getting to your point.

Plain Writing Act

In some cases, governments and other organizations mandate plain language or encourage it as part of their organizational culture. For example, the Plain Writing Act of 2010 is a United States federal law that requires government agencies to use plain language.
The use of complex language such as corporate jargon, industry acronyms, legalese and technobabble can make it difficult for citizens and customers to access services. It can also increase support costs as customers need to call you to understand your communications.
Overview: Plain Language
TypeSoft Skills
DefinitionLanguage that is designed to be clear and succinct.
ValueWide accessibility. In some cases, government agencies are required to use plain language to improve accessibility of government service information.
Plain language is pleasing to an audience that wants information without flowery speech.
Advertising that seeks to get an idea across to a wide audience within limitations such as ad space.
Related ConceptsInformation Design
Communication
Storytelling

Soft Skills

This is the complete list of articles we have written about soft skills.
Abstraction
Attention To Detail
Bias For Action
Active Silence
Aesthetics
Character Traits
Creative Thinking
Big Picture Thinking
Critical Thinking
Facilitation
Charisma
Coaching
Humor
Competitiveness
Imagination
Counterfactual Thinking
Influencing
Listening
Logic
Delegation
Personal Presence
Emotional Intelligence
Personal Skills
Empathy
Public Speaking
Eye Contact
Resilience
Self Direction
Social Intelligence
Storytelling
Time Management
Improvisation
Wit
Introspection
Work Skills
Intuition
Managing Expectations
Networking
Office Politics
Problem Framing
Reasoning
Relationship Building
Self Confidence
Showmanship
Training
More ...
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