Making It Clear will help union activists and staff find ways to overcome this communications barrier. Clear writing and design will make your union communications reader-friendly. This means thinking about your readers and their needs first. Everyone will benefit from information that is quick and easy to read and understand.

WHAT IS CLEAR WRITING AND DESIGN?

Clear writing is clear language. It uses language that your audience will understand and that gives readers the information they need. Clear language combines what you write with how you write. Clear design uses the way material appears on the page to help the reader understand the content.

Research shows that clear language has benefits for readers at all levels. Clear language and design saves time and avoids confusion and errors.

WHY NOT?

Some people resist clear language, thinking:

• It's simple-minded writing, or it uses vocabulary that talks down to people.
  Not so! Clear language is easy for your readers to understand. It helps people find the information they need.
• We need legal or technical terms; some things just can't be written differently.
  Not so! Legally binding documents can be written in clear language, with the plus that people can understand them. If a technical term is needed, explain the term when you first use it.
• It takes too long and costs too much.
  Not so! Clear language saves time and money. Your readers will have fewer questions and complaints. Why spend money on materials people can't understand? Clear language is effective language.