Package Description

Date: Thursday, August 15, 2024

Time: 4-5 p.m. Eastern

Description:  If your organization scoffs at the idea of plain language or your clients fear it will "dumb down" their message, help them see the light: Plain language is for everyone! Plain language is a globally recognized best practice for effective, accessible communication. Editors who promote plain language with their clients can provide added value, effectiveness, and credibility. Through more than 15 years in journalism and government editing, Kristen Clark has personal experience (and success) in persuading naysayers of the value of plain communication. She'll share evidence from academic studies and elements of brain science that support how plain language saves valuable time, money, and effort while increasing accessibility and boosting both your clients' reputations and their audiences' satisfaction.

This webcast will empower you with the tools, research, and resources you need to promote plain language practices and employ them with authority and credibility.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what makes plain language an internationally recognized best practice for effective communication.
• Learn how plain language accommodates our attention spans and our brains' capacities for cognitive load.
• Learn how plain language supports access to information for all, as well as equity and social justice.

Cost: Free for ACES members/$30 for nonmembers

If you get an error message saying you are not eligible to take this form, you may have already registered. If you have already registered, scroll to the bottom of this page and click the title of the course to the left of the paper clip icon.

About the presenter:

Making complicated messages simple is Kristen Clark's specialty and passion. She honed her skills as an award-winning journalist, covering government and politics for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Detroit Free Press, and more. In 2018, Kristen became an editor and writing coach for a local government auditor's office. She recently founded Pristine Clarity to continue helping others communicate clearly and authentically with plain language. Kristen has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science/pre-law from Michigan State University and a Plain Language Certificate from Simon Fraser University. She joined ACES in 2022 and volunteers on the Communications and Publications Committee.