Plain English and 26Ten
26Ten supports plain English. The way we use language can be a barrier to taking part in work and everyday life, especially for people who have lower literacy skills. Everyone benefits when writing is free from jargon and complicated sentences. Key information including instructions or requests should be at the top of any communication.
Putting the reader first
A communication is in plain English if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily:
- find what they need
- understand what they find
- use that information.
26Ten supports Tasmanians to use plain English
We offer free, practical workshops around Tasmania
Join a public plain English workshop, or contact us to book a workshop for your organisation.
Plain English Workshop
26Ten’s experienced trainers will lead you through the five steps to clear communication using slides, videos, writing and interactive activities.
This skills-based workshop runs for three and a half hours. Participants receive a copy of Communicate Clearly: A guide to plain English from 26Ten and the 26Ten plain English workbook.
Join a public plain English workshop, or contact us to book a workshop for your organisation.
Writing Student Reports in Plain English
On request, we also offer a two-hour workshop for teachers who write school reports and those who are responsible for proof-reading and approving student reports. In this workshop you will learn how to make sure parents and carers understand the content of your school reports, and some quick tips about how to structure information and language for use in school reports.
Email us at email@26ten.tas.gov.au for more information.
Writing in plain English to parents and carers
This online course is a practical introduction to plain English basics that can be completed in your own time. It is aimed at teachers and others who communicate with parents and carers but is useful for all. Delivered as a series of seven short videos and exercises it can be completed in chunks or the full course takes about an hour.
You can do this on your own, with a friend, or a group of people.
Literacy awareness
If you are interested in our one-hour literacy awareness workshop, head to our adult literacy and numeracy in Tasmania page to find out more.
Communicate Clearly: a guide to plain English from 26Ten
Our plain English guide is easy to use and includes tips to improve written communication. It has been produced by 26Ten, a network of people and organisations working together to improve adult literacy and numeracy in Tasmania.
Contact 26Ten for a free hard copy at email@26ten.tas.gov.au or download a PDF copy below.
Writing in plain English at Houston’s Farm
“It’s also given us another opportunity to talk about plain English generally, and what that means to the business, and to emphasise that gone are the days that you need to use long words and complicated sentences in a business-related document. The theme is always keep it simple and transfer the message as clearly as possible.”
Write for the people: Plain English and the law
“Ditch pot boilers such as hereinafter, whereas, requisite, and all those other expressions that are just packing, and are not really necessary.” (The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG)
Forager Food Co. – Working with plain English
“This project has allowed [our staff] to take on a bigger role within the business … and it’s really given them more confidence in what they’re doing, knowing they can work it out for themselves.”
Blue Hills Honey – a 26Ten Workplace Grant project
The 26Ten Workplace Grant project with Blue Hills Honey improved health and safety and quality compliance on the work site. The engagement of employees in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures also promoted a sense of ownership over the procedures, promoting acceptance and participation.
