Communicating in plain language
Plain language is about adapting texts to the recipients and about including all readers. Clear language is also about following the established international ISO standard, which advocates a communication style that focuses on simplicity, clarity and effectiveness.
For whom?
The course is mainly aimed at web editors, communicators and writers.
To get the most out of the course, you should have basic prior knowledge of accessibility, either through our course Introduction to accessibility, or acquired in another way, for example through practical work. However, this is not a requirement for the content of this course.
About the course
Plain language is the basis for all intelligible communication. There are concrete rules that you can follow when writing. But in order to reach all readers, you have to adapt your texts to those who find it difficult to absorb information - and there are many of them. Therefore, the course is also about people's different abilities to read. Simple, comprehensible texts that are adapted to the recipients make it easier for everyone: people with reading and writing difficulties, stressed readers, people who are new to the language or who have cognitive impairments.
Course content
The course contains the following main elements:
- What does accessible language mean?
- The plain language ISO Standard
- Readers' different conditions
- The reading process
- Plain language - concrete rules
- Readability and structure of texts
After completing this course
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Understand what accessible language means
- Interpret the plain language ISO Standard
- Understand the readers' different conditions and the reading process
- Know plain language - concrete rules, readability, and structure of texts
- Utilize available link texts
How is the course delivered?
The course consists of two parts; a self-paced course followed by a teacher-led live session.
Self-paced course on-demand
With this self-paced course, you get a basic overview, but also the opportunity to focus on selected areas that you have a particular need for. You can access the course when it suits you. The course is divided into parts - take one or more at a time. You can also use the course as a knowledge base; the search function makes it easy to find what you need.
Watch a clip from the on-demand course with the avatar version of Amalthea Frantz, Plain Language and Communication Expert at Funka.
This on-demand course consists of:
- 8 parts, totalling 40 minutes of recorded films and reference material.
- Access to the course on-demand on Funka Academy's learning portal for 6 months.
| Part | Topic | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | What is plain language | 05:28 min |
| Part 2 | Understanding the needs of readers | 06:54 min |
| Part 3 | Clear language | 03:16 min |
| Part 4 | Simple language | 05:40 min |
| Part 5 | Effective language | 07:34 min |
| Part 6 | Design of text | 04:41 min |
| Part 7 | Images with a message | 04:07 min |
| Part 8 | Moving forward with plain language | 03:02 min |
Add a live course session
Do you need more advanced skills? Perhaps you are in, or about to enter, a role that requires in-depth knowledge of accessibility? Or do you simply feel that you learn best and most from live training?
We offer a supplementary course session as an extension and continuation of the self-paced course. It focuses on developing and applying your knowledge with opportunities for discussion, practical exercises and interaction.
- Live expert-led course session, 4 hours including short breaks, 13:00 - 17:00, CET Central European Time
- Funka's certified accessibility experts lead the sessions
Course certificate by Funka
After completing the course, you will receive a digital Funka Course Certificate showing that you have participated and passed the course requirements.
You have continued access to the on-demand course material and knowledge bank for 6 months from the date of order.
Terms and conditions when buying a course from Funka Academy
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Today
On-demand: Communicating in plain language
Self-paced course ONLY. You can access on the day you order. You have unlimited personal access for 6 months.
Price: 249 EUR
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Let's discuss your accessibility training needs
Do you need advice? Please feel free to contact our experienced team for a discussion how we can meet your particular learning and development requirements.
