Jan's blog

Being clear is as important when speaking as it is when writing. Whether you are speaking or writing your message, be brief, be clear, and consider the background knowledge of your audience.

The words we use should clarify, not obscure meaning. My pet peeve in this area is the near universal governmental insistence on using “health” to mean “medicine.”

Consideration is the very heart of clear language.   We can’t possibly craft a clear, meaningful, and usable message if we haven’t considered the wants, needs, values, and beliefs of the readers. 

Staring at a blank page can be a trial even for experienced writers. When writing is something you don’t do often it can be difficult to know where to begin. And when your goal to communicate important information clearly, it can seem overwhelming.