When to use it
Use it for any document read by non-specialists, especially policies, instructions and customer communications.
How to apply it
- Identify your reader and what they need to do after reading.
- Keep sentences short, aiming for an average of around 15 to 20 words.
- Use active verbs and address the reader directly as 'you'.
- Replace jargon and long words with everyday equivalents.
- Use headings and lists to break up dense text.
- Read it aloud or test it with a real reader before sending.
Tip: Plain does not mean simplistic; you can explain complex ideas without complex language.