Plain Language Guide

Writing in plain language might seem like an annoying afterthought or grant requirement when conducting research or communicating health information, but if done properly it can increase the chance of work having an impact and ensure people can read and understand items that are important to them.

Researchers, health professionals, or experts in any field, spend years learning the countless pieces of jargon, complicated theory, and insider language that many people outside their bubble might not understand. Sometimes, this impacts their perception of what “plain” language is, and isolates their work from audiences they might be trying to reach.

We worked with a team at the BC SUPPORT Unit to develop The Plain Language Guide to help researchers, health professionals, and experts in any field reframe their writing in plain language. This short e-learning course drew on existing materials and tools to provide an overview of plain language while helping the user develop a piece of writing.