Plain Language Matters: creating web content that is accessible, usable and understood
- Learn how research-supported plain language strategies can improve the user experience, save staff time, and help you achieve your communication goals.
- The primary focus will be on website content, but these strategies can be used with any form of communication, including email, social media, or print media.
- Plain language is an important part of digital accessibility compliance but applying these techniques will make all of your communications more effective, no matter the audience.
Date: Thursday, November 7, 2019
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (30 minutes of extra time if needed)
Location: Graduate Student Center
Presenter: Rachell Underhill, Director of Web and Information Systems, The Graduate School
Presentation Slides
Presentation Handouts
Resources
Tools
- Plainlanguage.gov – The best resource for plain language information
- Hemingway App – Tests for clear writing, style, complexity, and passive voice (recommended)
- Microsoft Office – Built-in readability tools
- Readable – Readability tests
- Yoast SEO tool in WordPress – Optional “readability analysis” of WordPress content
- Grammarly – Grammar and style checker that you can add to Word, Outlook or Google Chrome
Training
- Writing in Plain English – Lynda.com Course
- Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works, Ginny Redish, 2012
- UNC Writing Center – Many helpful articles and videos