Recently I wrote about New Zealand introducing a new law – the Plain Language Bill – designed to make public servants talk like humans.
The bill aims to improve the effectiveness and accountability of the public service by requiring communications to be clear and accessible to the public.
It seems obvious, doesn’t it?
We know plain English is essential.
Our audience may not be well educated or literate. They may speak English but not read it or only read basic English. They may speak English as a second language. They may not speak English at all and be receiving translated information.
We need to reach them all.
Under New Zealand’s new legislation, the public service must use plain language in documents and appoint plain language officers to ensure compliance. The Public Service Commissioner will give plain language guidance.
Nice idea, but why is it needed? We’re humans talking to humans. Why doesn’t our writing reflect this?
In short, we don’t know what we aren’t taught.
Evidence suggests poor professional writing starts at school.
Arizona State University professor Steve Graham argues that we need to change how writing is taught at school if students are to succeed. He says while many factors influence children’s development as writers, they mostly don’t get the instruction they deserve or need.
University doesn’t address the problem. At university, we’re encouraged to use a formal voice. Academic writing includes long sentences and a tone that is serious and official.
But it’s never too late to learn.
We developed Get It Write to teach you how to write like a pro.
We give you tips and tricks and tools of the trade.
And our one-on-one mentoring will ensure you succeed.
Because good writing matters to us all.