Goal: To
provide our employees with the tools needed to write documents
in plain language in accordance with the June 1, 1998,
Presidential Initiative and the Guidelines for Plain Language
at NIH. Participants will be provided with a basic understanding
of: |
|
The advantages of and
requirements for using Plain Language |
|
The definition of Plain
Language (e.g., reader-focus) |
|
The breadth of writing
covered by the Plain Language Initiative (e.g, articles,
consent forms, reports, grant application forms, manuals,
memos and letters, brochures, Web sites, etc.) |
|
The dynamic interaction
between the text and the design of documents |
|
The array of evaluation
and usability testing methods |
|
The plain language resources
available. |
Participants will specifically
be trained to: |
|
Answer your reader's questions |
|
Avoid confusing and wordy
language |
|
Include only necessary
details |
|
Use active voice |
|
Use personal pronouns
such as “we” and “you” |
|
Use short sentences and
paragraphs |
|
Use tables, lists, and
other easy-to-read design features. |
Parameters: We
anticipate a total of 25-30 participants to be taught in
two separate sessions of 12-15 each. Classes will be held
on the main NIH campus at a location to be determined by
the point of contact, _________[name]. The 2-day class
will be customized for the type of writing performed by
our office. |