Want a tool to make your writing easier—without signing up for AI?

By Nicole Watkins Campbell
The secret lies in how you write. Clear writing makes reading easier, which means fewer questions, less confusion, and more time for what really matters—for readers and for writers. An international standard can help. No, it won’t let you control your readers’ minds (tempting, though), but it will help them follow your message without frustration.
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How the plain language standard works
The ISO plain language standard is built on research about how people actually read. And bad news: they don’t read everything. Readers are busy, distracted, and overloaded with information. They scan and hunt for what matters to them.
How do you write for readers like that? The ISO standard offers a roadmap.
 
Plain language in action
To work with your reader’s brain, try these:
            •           Give readers only what they need.
            •           Use more headings.
            •           Break text into bullet points.
Focus on the information readers need
Readers don’t always have time for background or extra details. When you focus on what’s most useful, you save your time writing and their time reading.
Headings help readers navigate
            •           They make key information easier to find.
            •           They break up text so it looks more inviting.
Text that looks easier to read feels easier to read—so people keep going.
Bullet points make scanning easy
Readers scan down any text, and bullet points work with this habit. They help people absorb information quickly and they keep writing clear and concise.

Clear writing makes reading easier, and that makes work easier—for you and your readers.

Sign up  for our Pain Language International Standard Courses for Organizations and Communicators.