Here's what you most people expect from government documents: jargon, wordiness, and general confusion. But DC-based Center for Plain Language is trying to make better writers of agencies and organizations that communicate publicly. It does this through annual awards, writing workshops, and a federal agency report card.The year's March of Dimes took best writing honors for one of its brochures. A Charles Schwab magazine ad was called out for having the most confusing and complex language. (Two-thirds of it was in fine print.) The center's board chair,Dr. Annetta L. Cheek, says judges look at tone, design, organization, and language.
Annetta co-launched the organization in 2003, toward the end of her 25-year fed career. Its mission is fueled by federal laws passed in the last three years requiring agencies to improve how they write publicly-distributed documents and federal regs. Based on those laws, the center launched its report card last year. USDA and IRS have done pretty well, but VA has struggled. In the private sector, financial firms have the biggest problem with clear language.Some of the most common mistakes: putting too much in a document and writing in passive voice. One of Annetta's favorites for reader confusion is this speed limit sign outside of a school.(The public is strongly encouraged to send bad writing to the organization.)
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