Plain language guide

Accessibility starts with our words. Research can be so full of jargon that it prevents many audiences that we care about from truly engaging with the work.

Everyone should be able to understand your research. Promoting shared understanding is part of working successfully with both scientific and non-scientific audiences, especially in a patient-oriented research environment.

However, we know writing in plain language can be hard when you work in a field immersed with jargon. That’s why we created this guide.

The plain language guide:

• provides users with a brief overview of what plain language is
• supports research teams in crafting their own plain language summary

This interactive practical guide to plain language walks you through the process in plain language. It provides tools, resources, and best practices to shape more clear, concise and accessible writing. Using this guide should prepare you with a summary ready to share with the world.

Are you ready to write?

Credits

The plain language guide was developed by Katie Verigin, Justin Otteson, and Amber Hui for the BC SUPPORT Unit.