Plain language helps you disseminate your scientific findings among a broader audience. Find out how to simplify your technical content.
Lay readers struggle to understand scientific information written by and for experts. Jargon, intricate ideas and convoluted phrasing result in texts such as:
The patient is being given positive pressure ventilatory support.
Among some academic writers, there’s the misconception that long sentences and big words make you sound more knowledgeable. But the fact is technical language makes your content difficult to read. So, it becomes less accessible to common people.
Check out a non-technical version of the previous sentence:
The doctor uses a ventilator to push air through the patient’s airway into the lungs.
More digestible, isn’t it?
In this article, we’ll give you some tips to communicate technical ideas in plain language.
– What is plain language?
According to the International Plain Language Working Group:
A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.
Based on this definition, plain language focuses on making a message understandable by:
- Using straightforward expressions.
- Avoiding unnecessary words.
- Staying away from showy vocabulary and convoluted sentences.
Some users of technical language may argue that plain language “dumbs down” content.
But plain language isn’t a simplified version of the English language. Using it doesn’t imply that your content will be plain. You can still create to your heart’s content, letting a broader audience enjoy your writing.
Because plain language pursues content clarity. It’s about having readers understand your message the first time around.
– What’s the origin of the plain language movement?
It started in the US in 1963, when David Mellinkoff published the book Language of the Law.
At first, the movement aimed to remove jargon from legal documents, so they’d be comprehensible to laypersons.
But, soon enough, it was embraced by governments and businesses around the world. With a view to achieving linguistic equality among people who don’t speak English as a first language. And who’d struggle to understand jargon-laden documents.
In this spirit, the U.S. government passed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 , requiring federal agencies to use:
Writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.
Meanwhile, ISO is developing standard ISO 24495: Plain language – Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines.
Its goal is to provide authors with guidelines for effective communication.
– What should you consider when writing in plain language?
- Your audience
Knowing your reader’s level of expertise will help you adapt your content. Create a profile including their age, education, skills and profession.
- Their goal
What drives your audience to read your document? Finding out what they want to learn or achieve is the key to sharing information effectively.
- Your terminology
Here’s a rule of thumb: avoid jargon. Pick simpler vocabulary your audience will feel at ease with, and use it consistently.
- Your document structure
Help your readers find the information they need by making your content scannable.
– How to write in plain language?
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Summarize your main point at the beginning.
Show your readers you have the information they need at first sight.
- Write short sentences.
No more than 15-20 words.
- Keep paragraphs short.
Don’t exceed 5 sentences.
- One thought per sentence, one idea per paragraph.
Focus on conveying one single message at a time.
- Create rhythm.
Alternate short and long sentences.
- Use active voice.
Avoid entangled sentences with passive verbs.
- Choose simple verbs.
Say “examine”, rather than “conduct an examination”.
- Cut the jargon.
Use everyday words. If you must use technical terms, explain them when they first appear.
- Avoid long words.
What’s the point of saying “utilize” instead of “use”?
- Use first and second person.
A third person writing style may seem too informational or formal. Remember: you’re writing for your reader.
- Include headings, lists and tables.
Breaking up content into digestible chunks helps your readers find the content they’re looking for.
– How does plain language improve scientific and medical communication?
Remember the “positive pressure ventilatory support” vs. “ventilator” example?
Scientific and medical terminology are daunting. Which is why pharma companies, scientists, health authorities and healthcare professionals can benefit from using plain language.
- Pharmaceutical companies
When conducting clinical trials, building trust with patients is crucial. You have to be transparent and explain clearly what the study is all about and how it will make a difference.
Along these lines, Pfizer launched its Plain Language Study Results Summaries (PLSRS). Under this initiative, the biopharma company releases clinical trial results in a language that is understandable to the general public.
For example, take the term “Adjuvant therapy”. Pfizer replaces it by “an extra treatment that is added to boost your own treatment.”
With this transparent approach to communication, Pfizer encourages patients to engage in clinical trials.
- Scientific dissemination
Scientists and publishers aim to share their research beyond the scientific community.
Plain language summaries of research studies (PLS) reach a broader audience who isn’t trained in medicine. These documents translate scientific work into simple content that is accessible to patients and consumers.
- Medical information
Plain language helps bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients.
Consider the following materials:
-
- Hospital brochures presenting medical services.
- A care pathway including educational information for patients.
- A medicine leaflet with accurate information on how to best take it.
Writing them in a language that is adequate for a lay audience benefits both physicians and patients:
-
- Increasing health literacy.
- Empowering patients.
- Improving patient-physician communication.
- Fostering shared decision-making.
– Why should we raise awareness of plain language among the scientific community?
New therapies improve patients’ quality of life. Unfortunately, the complexity of scientific content makes it difficult for readers to appreciate the value of research.
This would change if scientists used words, comparisons and examples to which common people can relate. Putting plain English principles into practice helps you connect with more audiences.
Now, would you like to spread the word about your scientific findings across borders? Check out our translation services for life science.
