4 July 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Overview
Writing well takes skill, time and effort. Cutting through the jargon to explain complex issues in a concise readable way that connects with your audience is challenging.
Plain language enables people to participate in government, commercial, legal, and leisure activities more effectively because they can understand the information presented to them. Plain language also has proven benefits for organisations that use it in their communications — including significant cost savings and better engagement with customers.
To pick up some tips on creating plain language documents, working collaboratively with your audience on delivering for them and how to champion the value of plain language in your organisation join us for this lunchtime webinar.
Whether it’s writing for the web, social, an annual report or responding to questions from the public we have a great panel lined up to offer their insights. We’ll also cover the Plain Language Awards 2022 with nominations closing at the end of July – so if you’re inspired there’s still time to enter!
About the panellists:
Lynda Harris, Founder and Chief Executive of Write – Lynda is a communications specialist who believes that plain language makes the world a better place. Supported by her like-minded team, she’s built a company that aims to put clarity and connection at the heart of every business communication.
Lynda believes that clear communication isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s essential to the smooth and successful operation of any organisation. Poor writing wastes time and money, but it also risks losing the trust of customers. Under Lynda’s leadership, Write has become the largest plain language consultancy in the world.
Sacha Green, National Advisor – Legal & Strategic and Violet Chong, National Information Coordinator at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau – Citizens Advice Bureau were the overall winners of the 2021 Plain English Awards, commended for their ability to translate complex issues and ‘legal-speak’ into language that is simple and to-the-point. The judges were particularly impressed with how they did this over multiple channels.
Sacha sees plain language as a tool for empowerment. She has a long-term commitment to access to justice issues and is passionate about using plain language to help people understand their rights and responsibilities. Sacha also leads CAB’s Campaign for Inclusion in a Digital Age, which highlights the need for information and services to be delivered across multiple channels.
Violet is the main person who looks after the content on the CAB website and has a knack for saying things plainly. Violet constantly reviews and updates the website to ensure the information is clear, relevant, and accurate. This includes managing over 2,500 plain language questions and answers about people’s rights.
Suzie Tingley, Manager Digital Deliver at Te Hiringa Hauora | Health Promotion Agency – As the Lead Digital Communications Advisor Suzie was a key member of the Ministry of Social Development Digital Communications Team which won the Best Plain English Website — Public Sector 2021. Working alongside the MSD Youth Service they engaged with young people to ask them for their views on transforming the Youth Service Ratonga Taiohi website into one that hosted meaningful content in a tone and language that spoke directly to them.
Suzie is an experienced channels manager having worked across multiple public sector agencies in a variety of roles. She’s passionate about increasing diversity, equity and inclusion online through partnering with users and stakeholders in product design and development to deliver better outcomes.
Dr Ian Civil, a trauma surgeon at Auckland City Hospital and co-director of the National Trauma Network – Winners of the 2021 Best Plain English Annual Report Award, the National Trauma Network used its annual report to communicate data, science and medicine in a meaningful way. Through a mix of striking visual elements and people’s stories the Annual Report presents information on the patterns of injury in New Zealand.
Professor Ian Civil is Professor of Surgery with the University of Auckland and practices as a vascular surgeon at Auckland City Hospital where he is the Director of Trauma Services. He has served on a number of international trauma organisations and was a founding member of the Australasian Trauma Society.
NOTE: You will receive a confirmation email upon purchase. Zoom details will be sent to all participants on Monday morning to allow for those who register over the weekend. Please check your junk mail for the zoom link.