If you talk to a person in a language they understand, that goes to their head. If you talk to them in their language, that goes to their heart. - Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa
SUGGESTED ACTION
1. Promote an understanding of the value of plain English
- Find out what barriers people face in being willing or able to present information in plain English, for example, limited time, limited skills or concerns about “dumbing down” material.
- In your marketing material, include messages about the importance of information being presented clearly, especially for people with low literacy.
- Read and become familiar with the 26TEN Guide to Plain English www.26ten.tas.gov.au
2. Promote the wide use of plain English
- Encourage staff in organisations who interact with people who may have limited literacy skills to make sure they present all information clearly.
- Foster a culture where people are prepared to seek and to give feedback on information that isn’t as clear as it could be.
- Set up a local group of people with the skills to be able to check other people’s documents for clarity.
- Provide a list of people who can help groups and organisations translate their information into plain English.
- Come up with key points about the importance of plain English that people in your lead group and working groups can use in quick conversations with others.
3. Help people improve their skills in plain English
- Offer 26TEN Plain English workshops to as many people as possible.
- Remember that plain English is as much about being clear when speaking as it is about writing clearly.
Finally, remember that there are a number of tools to help you as you become a 26TEN Community. You can find them on the 26TEN website www.26ten.tas.gov.au