Plain English
About this course
Topics
- Plain English and readability
- Visual — lists and layout
- Clear — familiar words
- Simple — convey complex information
- Active — active voice and sentence structure
- Short — avoid unnecessary words
What you'll learn
At the end of this program, you will be able to:
- Measure the readability of your writing
- Write clearly and actively
- Use instruction and layout to aid reader understanding
- Apply plain English to communicate complex information to general readers
Upcoming sessions
Register your interest
No dates scheduled yet. Register your interest and we'll email you as soon as dates are announced.
“Going through each plain English learning outcome and then consolidating learning by undertaking a big revision task. Breakout rooms were also very helpful. Mike's use of analogies, video clips and references to pop culture were memorable and assist in bolstering knowledge.”
- Electronic fillable workbook
Want this course just for your team?
We deliver all programs for specific teams or agencies.
Request a team sessionRelated courses
Courses that pair well with Plain English.
- Grammar and punctuationFinally! A grammar course that helps you be a better writer. The focus is on using grammar and punctuation for clarity and quality in writing, not technical terminology.2 half-days · $990 inc. GST
- Editing and proofreadingExplore a structured, efficient process when reviewing your own or other people's writing.2 half-days · $990 inc. GST
- Writing for the APSExplore APS writing requirements and how to develop an effective government tone. Understand how structure and plain English contribute to clear and concise APS writing. Designed for graduates and new starters or anyone wanting a refresher in public service writing.2 half-days · $990 inc. GST
Common questions about Plain English
Who is Plain English for?
Staff at any level, with no prerequisite. Explore plain English and why it is an essential skill for communicating with the public, ministers and senior managers.
How much does Plain English cost?
$990 inc. GST per participant. That covers the live sessions, the electronic fillable workbook you keep afterwards, and any activities between sessions. The price is the same for every agency, and it is the same whether you attend from Canberra or anywhere else in Australia.
How long does Plain English run?
The course runs over 2 half-days — 6 hours of live facilitation in total, on separate days rather than back to back. Sessions are scheduled as half-days so they fit around a normal workday.
Is it delivered online or face to face?
Online. This course is delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams, so you join from wherever you usually work — no travel and no room booking. Face-to-face delivery can be arranged when a team or agency books the course privately.
How many people are in a session?
Up to 20 participants. The cap is there to protect how much individual practice and feedback each person gets, so sessions are not scaled up beyond it.
What will I be able to do afterwards?
By the end of Plain English you will be able to measure the readability of your writing; write clearly and actively; use instruction and layout to aid reader understanding. You also keep the electronic fillable workbook, which is designed to be used at your desk afterwards rather than filed away.
Can my agency book this course just for our team?
Yes. Any course can be booked as a private team session, scheduled around your calendar and contextualised to your agency's own writing. Team sessions are priced per course rather than per participant, so for a group they usually cost less than open enrolment.
How do I pay?
You can pay by card when you register, or choose to be invoiced. Choosing invoice sends you a confirmation immediately with a reference number, and the invoice follows separately. Either way you receive a tax invoice showing the GST component and MPA Consulting's ABN.