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Plain Language Rules

The NDOA is committed to drafting new documents in plain language using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. Certain characteristics characterize simple language. This includes common and common words, except for necessary technical terms. Other qualities include the use of personal pronouns; active voice; logical organization; and easy-to-read and understandable design features such as bullet points and tables. ODNI trains our employees and has created a monitoring process. We need to use plain language in every document, which Use this checklist to determine if your document meets plain language standards. (If you`re writing for the web, here`s the web checklist.) As acting director of administration and management, Thomas Muir is senior DoD official for Simple Language. The DoD`s policy implementing the Plain Writing Act of 2010 is found in DoD Section 5025.13, “DoD Plain Language Program.” Simple language is grammatically correct and universally understandable language that includes a complete sentence structure and precise use of words. Plain text is not unprofessional writing or a method of “dumbing down” or “speaking” to the reader.

Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) aka www.plainlanguage.gov: Federal Plain Language Guidelines headquarters, free half-day federal agency training, examples, templates, tips and checklists We strongly encourage all organizations to write regulations in plain language. While the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and M-11-15 (OMB`s final guidance on implementing the Act) do not cover regulations, three separate Executive Orders do: E.O. 12866, E.O. 12988, and E.O. 13563. Our five-step checklist walks you through the simple language process and helps you develop content that`s right for your business. Although the Act does not cover regulations, three separate Orders in Council emphasize the need for plain language: E.O. 12866, E.O. 12988 and E.O. 13563. Download the attached PDF file to submit a DoD form for plain language review: Plain Language Document Review Form.

The Department of Defence has committed to drafting the new documents in plain language, using federal plain language guidelines in accordance with Memorandum M_11-15 on Office Management and Budget, “Final Guidance on the Implementation of the Simple Drafting Act, 2010.” Language works when readers understand the words and grasp the desired message quickly and confidently. Have a simple writing area on your website. Get started with our templates for your plain text page and compliance report (DOC). Simple language is clear, concise, organized and adapted to the target group. Clear and precise writing helps improve overall communication, as reading and comprehension take less time. Clear writing tells the reader exactly what they need to know without using unnecessary words or phrases. Clear communication is its own reward because it saves time and money. It also improves readers` response to news.

Using plain language avoids creating barriers that set us apart from the people we communicate with. At OPM, we fully support the plain language initiative, which has its origins in a federal policy requiring organizations to include plain language elements in the development of public communications materials. We are committed to using plain language in all new materials written for the public, other government agencies and colleagues. Unfortunately, not all plain language principles are available when creating a Federal Register document, so consult the Document Writing Manual in addition to the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. A communication is written in plain language when its wording, structure and design are clear enough that intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find and use that information. Progress and efforts to comply with the law are published annually in our compliance reports. If you have any comments or questions about this policy, please contact us. We also offer free half-day training for federal agencies in the Washington, DC area. The guidelines are divided into sections, but many of the topics fall under more than one section.

We start with a discussion about your audience because you should think about it before you start writing or planning to write. From there, we move on to the organization, because developing a good organization is important in your planning phase. Next, we discuss the principles of writing, starting at the word level and moving through paragraphs and sections. This is the most comprehensive topic. We follow the principles of document writing with the principles of writing for the web. We conclude with a brief discussion of testing techniques. President Barack Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (H.R. 946/Public Law 111-274) on October 13, 2010. The bill aims to “improve the effectiveness and accountability of federal organizations to the public by promoting clear government communication that the public can understand and use.” Follow the OMB guidelines for implementing the Simple Drafting Act. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to “draft clear government communications that the public can understand and use.” President Obama also emphasized the importance of establishing “a system of transparency, public participation, and cooperation” in his January 21, 2009 Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government. The design works when users notice the signposts and use them to move efficiently through information. To make sure you communicate clearly, evaluate the document or, better yet, ask someone else to read it and make suggestions for clarification.

View the document: The Plain Writing Act of 2010 was enacted on October 13, 2010. The law requires federal organizations to use clear government communications that the public can understand and use. These are the official guidelines of the Simple Writing Act of 2010. We`ve developed these guidelines to help you and your agency write clearly so your users can do the following: We first developed these guidelines in the mid-90s. We continue to review them every few years to provide up-to-date guidance for clear communication. When we drafted the guidelines, we focused on regulation. We have expanded our coverage, but the information still bears the seal of its origin. The audience definition works when you know who you`re designing for and who you`re not designing for, what they want to do, and what they need to know and learn. Contact us or subscribe to our mailing list for the latest updates. The structure works when readers can quickly and securely find the information they are looking for.

Consider the two exceptions to the use of federal plain language guidelines (in that order): Promote a consistent single NARA voice by following NARA`s style guide for guidance on usage, punctuation, capitalization, etc. Define the audiences that will use the document or website The National Archives and Records Administration`s (NARA) simple writing page includes: a NARA-style guide, checklist, tips, a toolkit for managers and supervisors, webinars, and annual compliance reports.

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