While there are certainly fewer people on X these days (thanks, Elon!), there’s no shortage of “noise” on social media. So in case you missed them, here are some interesting posts I’ve run across, related to plain language, jargon and explaining the complex. Bonus: three posts that made me laugh.
Plain language
How do you organize a web page so people can find what they need? Do writers follow plain writing principles? Does the content help readers complete a task? A look at what goes into a Plain Language Report Card from the Center for Plain Language.
“As Jane Austen might have said, it’s a truth universally acknowledged that a copywriter in possession of a first draft must be in need of more words.” How you end up with Frankenstatements and what to do instead. Via Clare Lynch.
Journalists may not mind complex headlines but readers want them to keep headlines simple, Science Advances research finds. Via Conscious Style Guide.
Help your reader understand complex events by putting them in context in simple, accurate terms, says Tom Corfman.
Jargon
I laughed at “There are too many people in the world thrilled about things that aren’t thrilling.” Exactly! Words (like utilize) and phrases (leverage synergies) that drive communicators around the bend. Note that these also contribute to Frankenstatements.
Nailed it! “43 words that sound all exciting but should actually be set on fire” – including ones I particularly hate, like unpack, synergy, leverage, actionable and utilise (utilize) – from Dave Harland.
I’m with Josh Bernoff on “insights” as a better alternative to “learnings,” which he calls dreadful jargon. Or how about, “Here’s what I learned from…”?
Effective communication, even (or maybe especially) about mundane matters like benefits enrollment, requires creativity. Prevent “jargon monoxide” that makes it harder, slower and more complicated to get things done.
Funny
Omigosh I love this! Ellen Jovin looked for a human connection, setting up a “Grammar Table” outside a New York City subway station. This reminds me of Lucy’s “Psychiatric help 5 cents” booth in the Peanuts comic. Note: May take a while for the page to load.
How can you not love We Rate Dogs? Jess Zafarris gets the back story about Matt Nelson and his brilliant idea to rate dog photos that became a viral sensation. 15/10 would recommend, as the dog-rating system goes.
LOL. “How would I professionally say…You waste so much of my time? Why are you so bad at your job?” and more. Laura Whaley compiles “corporate translations.”
What other helpful, interesting or funny posts have you found online? Please share in the comments or drop me a note.
“It’s simple” Scrabble tiles by Amanda Jones on Unsplash.
Related reading
Helpful tips for plain language, from sources in legal, healthcare and government writing
Word choice, jargon and plain language; links from 2022
My first post with links you might have missed, including an interview about plain language