Step 1: Create a highly readable Draft

• Write at a reading grade level that matches the average consumer’s needs.
• Use words that are familiar to your reader.
• Organize your text intuitively, with typical reading patterns in mind. (Readers usually look at the top and bottom first. Then, they read the headlines until they find the section they need.)

Step 2: Make your text visually accessible

• Use a large serif font for body text and sans serif for headlines
• Avoid ALL CAPS.
• Avoid underlining.
• Use bold font sparingly.
• Use italic font even less.
• Use white space generously.
• Use headings to set off blocks of information.
• Use shorter lines — a two-column format is easier to read than a standard full-width page format.
• Use graphics to support the message of your document. Choose graphics and colors that reflect the general preferences of the targeted group.

Step 3: Field test with typical consumers

• Get preliminary validation that your text is easy to read and understand by field testing it.
• Document consumer feedback and preferences and share this information with your colleagues.
• Evaluate and incorporate consumer feedback and field test again.

Contact Transcend for information on our Plain Language Training.

Transcend’s Plain Language Training includes:

• Plain Language writing techniques
• Readability instruments, print & web
• Plain Language editing and review
• Plain Language formatting
• Field Test Instruments
• Field Test Methods
• Focus Groups & Reporting
• Glossaries and Templates

For more information, go to:
Write, Design and Test Highly Readable Documents