Integrating plain language into style guides

Many organizations are making the commitment to plain language. This means all
staff need the tools to make it happen. One route to success is to integrate plain
language guidelines into your existing style guide or build an organizational style
guide around one. Supporting this with training ensures staff have the skills and
knowledge to put it into practice.

Style documents explained

Style Sheets

• concise and specific to a document or project
• set writing and editing guidelines
• provide support to writers. 
  
  

Style Guides

• cover writing, spelling and capitalization, 
• ​provide consistency in style and usage: 
• formatting and use of graphics, such as logo placement
  
  

Style Manuals

• your guide to publishing information
• focused on organization-specific criteria
• meet bran guidelines

So, how does plain language fit in?

Plain language style

Plain language is a communication process that covers:

• basic guidelines on communicating clearly
• recommendations for audience empathy
• writing and editing techniques that focus on accessibility, understandability and usability
• design guidelines to support all of the above
• testing and evaluating to ensure audience needs are met.

These foundations are integrated into style guides ensuring plain language is an integral part of your communication style.

​I have found supporting plain language style guide integration with training sessions is a great staff-strengthening and team building investment.