Webinar recap: centering community voices

This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on June 8, 2023 as part of the Plain Language Foundations series. Check out the notes below, or access the webinar recording and slides.

Why feedback matters

• Using plain language means centering your audience’s needs and goals, and writing in a way that they can find, understand, and use the information you're sharing.

• There’s an inherent power imbalance when people rely on the services we provide. Partnering with the communities we serve is a critical part of dismantling oppressive norms and creating a more equitable world. 

• Usability is key: If your audience is not able to use the information you’re sharing, what’s the point of sharing it?

Gathering feedback

• Methods for Gathering Feedback

  • Surveys + Focus Groups: Ask people for direct feedback in materials

  • Usability Testing: Ask people to use materials to complete a task.

  • Tracking Pain Points: Document challenges you notice people have using your materials in the real world.

• Relationship building should always be at the center of our work. You cannot ask for feedback without strong relationships

• Be mindful of the time and energy you’re asking from people. If you can, collaborate within and across organizations to reduce participant burnout. 

• Avoid relationships that feel exploitative by actively listening and incorporating participants’ ideas, showing empathy, being transparent, and expressing gratitude. Compensate people for their time when you can.

• Close the loop: follow up with people to show the impact of their feedback.

Resources

Articles + books

• Clear Language Lab Community Voices Snapshot (pdf)

• Oxford Guide to Plain English by Martin Cutts

• How English Works: A Linguistic Introduction by Anne Curzan and Michael Adams

• The Oxford English Grammar by Sidney Greenbaum

Websites

• Usability 101: Introduction to Usability

• Plain Language – Digital.gov

• Language, Please: Style Guide & Resources for journalists and storytellers

• Bias-free language

• Conscious Style Guide

Interested in learning more about professional development at Clear Language Lab? Check out other past webinars, find upcoming events on our training page, or contact Sarah Glazer, Sr. Program Manager, at sarah@litworks.org to learn more about our offerings.

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