Publication Information
First Published: 9 September 2024
Author: Nathan Boeker, M. A. Certified Plain Language Instructor
ISO 24495 is not just about better writing—it's about better relationships, better service, and better outcomes. Clear language fosters trust, reduces errors, and helps people make informed decisions. By adopting plain language practices, you are not just improving the quality of your writing—you are making the world a little bit clearer, one document at a time.
In a world filled with complex information, ISO 24495 serves as a beacon for clarity. This international standard focuses on "plain language" and aims to help writers create documents that are easy to understand and act upon. Whether you are drafting a contract, a policy, or a letter, ISO 24495 provides a set of guidelines to make sure your message gets through effectively.
ISO 24495 is all about simplicity. It is designed to make sure written communication is as clear and accessible as possible for its intended audience. By following this standard, writers can reduce misunderstandings, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall reader experience. Instead of leaving people frustrated and confused, well-written documents can guide readers toward the actions they need to take.
For example, when legal jargon becomes an obstacle rather than a helpful tool, or when government forms are so convoluted that they prevent citizens from accessing services, plain language becomes crucial. ISO 24495 tackles these issues by providing specific methods to simplify complex language, ensuring that people can understand documents and take action right away.
Have you ever struggled to make sense of a complicated legal document or a confusing government form? You’re not alone—and this is exactly the problem ISO 24495 aims to solve. Too often, important information is buried beneath technical terms, long-winded sentences, and unclear instructions. This not only frustrates the reader but also hampers productivity and can even lead to costly mistakes.
Plain language matters because it bridges the gap between expert knowledge and everyday understanding. It ensures that crucial information is not lost in translation. A well-written document should leave no room for ambiguity, enabling the reader to quickly grasp its meaning and respond appropriately.
ISO 24495 is particularly important today as the volume of information continues to grow and people's attention spans shrink. A message that is clear, concise, and actionable cuts through the noise and leaves a lasting impact. Whether you are communicating internally within a company, reaching out to customers, or engaging with the public, plain language makes a real difference.
The benefits of plain language are widespread, and ISO 24495 aims to make these benefits available to different types of organizations and individuals.
Businesses: By using ISO 24495, businesses can create clear contracts, user manuals, and marketing materials. When customers understand what they are agreeing to or how to use a product, their trust in the business grows. Clarity helps reduce disputes and enhances customer satisfaction.
Governments: For governments, clear communication is vital to make services accessible to all citizens. ISO 24495 can help government agencies write forms, policies, and regulations in a way that citizens can easily understand and use. Clear forms mean fewer mistakes, less time spent providing explanations, and better compliance.
Non-profits: Non-profits, too, benefit from plain language. Whether they are communicating with donors or the communities they serve, clarity is essential. ISO 24495 helps ensure that the message of the organization resonates, motivating action and enhancing transparency.
Anyone Who Wants to Write Clearly: Ultimately, anyone who wants to communicate effectively can benefit from ISO 24495. It provides a framework for writers who want to make their ideas as accessible and impactful as possible.
ISO 24495 isn't about oversimplifying content or "dumbing it down." It is about making information accessible, ensuring that the intended audience can understand and act upon it. The key principles of ISO 24495 include:
Evaluating the End User: One of the first steps in plain language writing is to evaluate the intended audience. Who will be reading this document? What is their background knowledge? How can you tailor the content to make it easier for them to understand? Understanding the audience is crucial to writing effectively.
Using Simple Words and Short Sentences: Using simpler vocabulary doesn’t mean treating your audience like they lack intelligence—it means respecting their time and ensuring that your message is clear. Short, straightforward sentences help to maintain the reader's focus and make complex information digestible.
Organizing Information Logically: The order in which information is presented has a big impact on how well it is understood. ISO 24495 emphasizes organizing information logically so that readers can easily follow along. Important information should come first, and each section should naturally lead to the next.
Designing Readable Documents: Design is another key aspect of plain language. ISO 24495 encourages the use of headings, bullet points, and whitespace to break up text and make it more visually appealing. A well-structured document is much easier to navigate, which helps readers find the information they need more efficiently.
ISO 24495 also encourages writers to seek feedback and test their documents with real users whenever possible. This can help identify parts of the text that are confusing or ambiguous. For instance, you might have written something you thought was perfectly clear, but real readers may interpret it differently. Testing helps you refine your communication so that it meets its goals effectively.
In today's fast-paced world, where information overload is the norm, clear communication is more important than ever. ISO 24495 provides a valuable framework for achieving that goal, emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and ease of use. By following its guidelines, writers can create documents that are not only informative but also engaging and actionable.
Imagine a world where legal contracts are easy to understand, government forms are user-friendly, and customer support materials actually solve problems. This is the world that ISO 24495 aims to create—a world where information empowers rather than confuses.
By embracing the principles of ISO 24495, writers, organizations, and governments can bridge the gap between complex information and the people who need it. Whether you are drafting a report, writing instructions, or preparing public communications, using plain language ensures that your message reaches your audience without unnecessary barriers.
ClearWrite Online - https://www.clearwrite.online ClearWrite Online offers resources and training for individuals and organizations looking to adopt plain language practices. It provides practical examples and tools based on ISO 24495 to make documents more accessible.
PlainLanguage.gov - https://www.plainlanguage.gov This U.S. government website provides comprehensive guidelines, examples, and tools for writing in plain language, with a focus on improving communication between government agencies and the public.
Center for Plain Language - https://centerforplainlanguage.org The Center for Plain Language promotes the use of plain language in government, business, and law. It offers resources, case studies, and awards for clear communication.
Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) - https://plainlanguagenetwork.org PLAIN is a global organization that advocates for plain language and provides resources, networking opportunities, and conferences for professionals interested in simplifying complex information.
Plain English Campaign - https://www.plainenglish.co.uk The Plain English Campaign is dedicated to clarifying public communication. They offer editing services, training, and certification to help organizations make their documents more readable.