Every state employee must use plain language and accessible design in all written communication. This course supports accessibility, plain language best practices and how to apply them. You’ll gain skills to convey information, including complex concepts, clearly and simply. You’ll learn how to write so that others can find, understand, and use the information and ideas you present.

Performance Objectives 

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Create content readers can understand the first time they see or hear it.
• Arrange information so ideas flow logically for the reader.
• Choose words that readers understand precisely.
• Write mostly short, active sentences.
• Make text feel like conversation to avoid barriers created by bureaucratic language.
• Design for easy reading, so people find your key messages quickly.
• Understand the plain language agency guidance in Executive Order 23-02.

Intended Audience: Public sector employees.

Special Note: Executive Order 23-02 has replaced 05-03, directing agencies to establish their own Plain Language policy. Contact your agency for details. As of June, 2024, Writing Documents in Plain Talk curriculum has been updated and is now titled Plain Language - Writing and Design.
For additional professional development trainings that support Plain Language, please visit our Communications training category.