1. WRITING USER-FRIENDLY DOCUMENTS
Plain Language
WRITING
USER-FRIENDLY
DOCUMENTS

2. PLAIN LANGUAGE WEBSITE

3. Plain Language WRITING USER-FRIENDLY DOCUMENTS
An online tutorial
A reference manual

4. INTRODUCTION – How can we be better writers?
Engage your reader
Write clearly
Write in a visually appealing style

5. How can you engage your readers?
Identify your audience
Organize to meet your reader’s needs
Use a question-and-answer format

6. How can you engage your readers?
Use “you” and other pronouns to speak directly to the readers
Use the active voice
Use the appropriate tone

7. How can you write more clearly?
Use short sentences
Write to one person, not to a group.
Use the simplest tense you can.

8. How can you write more clearly?
Use “must” to convey requirements
Place words carefully
Use “if-then” tables

9. How can you write more clearly?
Avoid words and constructions that cause confusion
Use contractions when appropriate

10. How can you make your documents visually appealing?
Use lots of informative headings
Write short sections
Include only one issue in each designated paragraph

11. How can you make your documents visually appealing?
Use vertical lists
Use tested emphasis techniques to highlight important points
Bold
Italics
Not ALL CAPS

12. List of simpler words and phrases
Grant Writing Resources

13. Plain Language REVIEW Engage your reader Write clearly
Write in a visually appealing style