Think tank

Achieving permanent clarity

 Plain language in the public sector

Many organisations attempt to implement plain language, but what is the actual success rate? And why do some programs fail yet others permanently change their organisation’s communication culture?

We reviewed 50 organisations to identify success factors that others can learn from.

Neil James, 26TEN 2016

Testing 1, 2, 3...

An integrated model for evaluating plain language

What evaluation methods are available, and how do you choose the right one? 

Neil James and Susan Kleimann, PLAIN 2015

'Right to die' or 'legal homicide'?

 Language, ethics and euthanasia

In complex ethical debates, opposing sides often manipulate words to suit their agenda.

Instead they should share a common, objective language.

Neil James, Dying with Dignity NSW 2013 forum

The mobile future

Plain language on a mobile web

The take-up of mobile technology is far beyond everyone’s expectations. So how must communication change in response?

Neil James, PLAIN 2015

Clear legal writing

 Consequence, example, authority

Why do lawyers write the way they do?

Explore the underlying culture of legal writing and how plain language practitioners can influence lawyers to update and improve their style. Examine the ‘touch points’ that cause lawyers to resist plain language. Then use our proof analysis tool to map the arguments that help us address those concerns.

Greg Moriarty, Clarity 2014

Crystal ball gazing

 The future of our profession

Plain language practitioners wear many professional hats. On a given day, we might be editors, trainers, designers, technical writers ...

Is the 'plain language' label losing its appeal?

Neil James, PLAIN 2013

Cartoon from Modern Manglish, a book by Neil James and Harold Scruby

© Alan Moir