Plain language services

Using plain language means that your audience can quickly and easily understand your documents and what you say. It helps your audience to read, understand and use the information you are giving them. Plain language is direct, everyday language and benefits everyone. Using plain language in any sector will benefit your clients, patients and customers.

Whether you work in health, community or social services, or any other sector, we can help you to use plain language. Helping you to communicate well with your clients and customers and give them what they want: information that is clear and easy to understand.

  • Plain language enables people to find the information they need, understand it, and act on it. Plain language reduces confusion, saves time, and increases customer satisfaction. So, writing in plain language improves access, builds trust and supports better outcomes for everyone.  


    Plain language makes your documents more effective and accessible.  

    1.      When readers easily understand your documents, they're more likely to follow instructions correctly. This reduces errors, misunderstandings, and the need for clarification. This leads to better outcomes and fewer costly mistakes. 

    2.      Clear, straightforward communication shows respect for your audience's time. It improves their experience with your organisation and builds trust.

    3.      Plain language reduces support calls, follow-up questions, and the time spent explaining complicated documents.  

    4.      Plain language makes your content understandable to people with different educational backgrounds and cognitive abilities. This includes those who speak English as a second language.

    5.      Plain language reduces legal risks by helping people understand terms, conditions, and other important information.

    Organisations that adopt plain language show their commitment to effective communication while realising tangible business benefits.

  • Enliven — your plain language specialists 

    We are a leading provider of plain language services and an international award winner in the field. We recognise the importance of clear and concise communication in all aspects of business. For over 7 years, we have been helping organisations communicate in ways that are easy for people to find, understand, and use information. 

    We contributed to the development of the International Plain Language Standard (ISO 24495-1:2023) through our involvement in the ISO working group, and we continue to support this work through representation and leadership on peak International Plain Language bodies. 

    At Enliven, we specialise in transforming complex communication into plain language. We do this across all sectors.

    Here’s what some of our clients have said: 

    “[Enliven] converted a very complex document into something which is very relevant and easy to follow. Amazing work” 
    — Ivan Jovetic, Manager, Health Case Management Team YHaRS

    “I’m just reaching out about the plain language resources your team designed for the Commission for Children and Young People back in 2022. We just wanted to let you know the resources have been extremely well received and are very popular. So much so that we are now working on potentially translating the resources into a range of languages – so they are even more accessible for Victorians.” 
    — Bree Furlong, Principal Communications Officer, Commission for Children and Young People

Our services

  • Organisational training

    Professional development training tailored for your organisation

  • Online workshops

    Publicly list training session available for individuals or organisations to book

  • Self-paced learning

    Online learning modules to be completed in your own time

  • Resource development

    Resource development, editing and review services. Including co-design.

Resources

 

enliven are thrilled to announce that we were awarded the Christine Mowat Plain Language Achievement Award 2021-23. This is an international award presented every two years recognising an outstanding contribution to advancing plain language.