Mike Mrdak: public servants must ditch the business jargon, stop being scared of citizens
Government agencies need to be more open, honest and direct with the public, come to terms with social media and realise that working with people… Read More
Plain English
Human Services to run plain English training for key staff
The Department of Human Services is planning to provide 200 staff per year with "plain English" training. Read More
Human Services website the first to meet the Plain English Foundation’s gold standard
The department says it puts each piece of new content through several tests before it goes up, with "communication specialists and subject matter experts" creating the content and the pre-publication checks done by the editorial team led by Watkins-Lyall. Read More
The critical factors for plain English success in government
Plain English in government is not a new concept. But when we know about the potential gains, how well are agencies doing in making it happen? The results of a Plain English Foundation survey are sobering. Read More
What does a plain English editor do?
There comes a time during the writing of a government report when someone suggests bringing in an editor to “plain English” the text. But what exactly does a plain English editor do, and what can you expect if you work with one? Read More
The readability debate: is there a formula for the write stuff?
Recent criticism of government websites highlighted the need to improve readability. But what exactly are readability measures, and should agencies rely on them? Read More
The arguments against plain English (don’t stack up)
Change is hard. And plain English reform seems harder than most. To help us tackle the task, it’s worth reviewing the reasons people offer for retaining a traditional style. Read More
Words that should be banned from government writing
When it comes to language, we all have our pet peeves: words that are overused, misused, or just plain abused. But should we go a step further and ban the worst offenders? Read More
Brushing up on the plain English essentials
As public sector agencies increasingly embrace plain English, staff at all levels will need to refresh their writing skills. But what is the best way for an individual to tackle the task? Read More
10 reasons executives should embrace plain English
Apart from the organisational benefits that plain English brings, there are personal reasons every CEO or government executive should embrace writing reform. Here's the top 10. Read More
How to write a brilliant blog in government
VIDEO: Australia doesn't yet link up its blogs like the UK does at blogs.gov.uk ... but it can still take advantage of the wisdom and lessons that have been built through that community. Read More
A Plain English program goes well beyond the words
One mandarin's recent plea for "clear, crisp, meaningful and expressive" communication must go beyond just the words. Plain English must also include the structure, design and evaluation of texts. Read More
How the federal budget tested the policy sales pitch
The election won't just present clear policy options, but test the language for selling policy itself. So how did Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten open the account with their budget pitches? Read More
What is the business case for plain English in government?
How does plain English add up for government agencies? The Plain English Foundation's Dr Neil James talks to The Mandarin publisher Tom Burton about making the business case. Read More
The main risk factors for a plain English program
VIDEO: Investing in plain English communication comes with enormous opportunity but potential risk. How do agencies identify and manage the traps? The Mandarin talks to the Plain English Foundation's Dr Neil James. Read More