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 our offices time. If we save time, we save money. It's good customer service and reduces the burden you place on the public.

Plain language means your readers can understand your documents more quickly. Readers won't call you so much for explanations. They make fewer errors filling out your 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. While writing in plain language isn't easy, it pays off in positive results.