Clear communication

Have you ever left your doctor's office confused by the advice you were just given? At some time or other, most of us have felt limited in our knowledge and understanding of information related to our health.

The purpose of this report is to look at the experiences of others who use plain language, and to recommend a plan the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) could follow to implement plain language use.

This booklet is about writing to be understood. It will provide some ideas about what makes material difficult to read, and some tips on how to better communicate.

This document discusses how to write in language that makes what you have to say accessible to as broad an audience as possible. Put together by a group of people active in the field of progressive literacy, this booklet is basic reading for community groups, teachers, political organizations, women's groups, trade unions - and anyone else who cares about communicating.

The tools provided in this document are intended to serve as a basis for Networks to determine whether their programs meet the literacy and upgrading needs of adult Nova Scotians. Most importantly, the actual process of using the tool-kit will result in a critical reflection on all aspects of program practice.

This document is intended to support the outreach strategies of literacy professionals, who want to inform social agency staff about the issue of literacy and promote adult literacy programs in their region.

No.1 of a series on Health Communications. A summary of current research on plain language and patient education.

This document is a guide regarding Income Assistance Program. It includes the following information:

This booklet explains what a plain language audit is, who should do a plain language audit, why you should do a plain language audit and how to do a plain language. This project also produced the Write for Your Reader (http://www.nwt.literacy.ca/plainlng/writread/cover.htm) handbook.

Plain language has evolved to become a product, or a business, or an industry. This development promises benefits for all: greater access to justice, improved efficiency and effectiveness, and increased respect for the rule of law.

Now that plain language has come of age, we need to see it afresh. How?