Webinar Recap: Making Clear Communication the Rule, Not the Exception

This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on March 4, 2021 as part of the Plain Language Foundations Series. Check out the notes below or access the webinar recording.

Something to think about…

What are some common communication barriers within your sector? What gets in the way of communicating with community members and/or colleagues?

What is Plain Language?

A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information. - International Plain Language Federation

The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires that federal agencies use clear communication that the public can understand and use.

Plain language is NOT

• Oversimplification of information

• Condescending or patronizing

• Childish in nature

Plain language IS

• Writing with the intention that we want the reader to understand it

• Taking into account what the reader wants to know

• Inclusive

• Respectful of the reader

• Explaining new ideas

Communication is a two-way street.

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - Quote often attributed to George Bernard Shaw

Panel Discussion

Panelists for this discussion included:

• Shayla Butler, Partner Relationship Administrator Neighborhood and Community Relations, Northwestern University

• Jobi Cates, Executive Director, Reba Early Learning Center

• Michelle Nicolet, Marketing Director, Shriver Center on Poverty Law

From the discussion, here are some ways to combat barriers to clear communication:

• Gaining institutional support of the process

  • Can include ‘modeling’ the behavior for them to see and experience it themselves

• Building trust and creating safe spaces with those the information is for - being clear and honest

• Using communication to break down barriers instead of reinforcing power dynamics

• Being clear from the beginning to save the process of going back to explain the initial meaning

• Create more equitable systems

• Being respectful of people’s time and energy