Different strokes for different folks

A single post by Megan Casey offers several examples of adapting the delivery of a single message for readers with different needs or information processing styles.

Framing Your Message

Framing Your Message
Help your reader get the picture...

Make your communication more effective but paying attention to more than vocabulary and grammar.

By filtering out distractions and barriers to effective communication, some writing techniques ensure that your message is received as sent. Plain language process also produces content that is easily accessed. One way this can be assured is framing your message.

In-text message framing uses word or phrase "frames" that situate your message in a context as an aid to comprehension. Framing creates a structure or framework to hang your message on. A good frame is the underpinning that helps your message get built and stay built. Words or strings of words that are used to define, repeat or reinforce your message are called in-text framing... Read the full article

Remember you have readers, not just viewers

I wan to share this report form the Publicity Hound:

Thanks to Publicity Hound Meryl K. Evans for reminding us not to use YouTube or podcasting as a replacement for any written content we currently provide.

"If you do, you could neglect a small but important audience-- those with disabilities. The deaf, like me, can't follow the video unless it's obvious from visuals. The blind miss out on visual cues."

She said [a] reporter in Dallas, includes a link to his video in every newsletter, "but thankfully he continues to provide content in the same newsletter."

The number of people with disabilities has grown, especially with Baby Boomers losing hearing and eye sight as a result of getting older...

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email the handy list "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."

New Books on Plain Language Implementation

My co-author, Kate Harrison Whiteside, and I have released two books on LuLu, in The Plain Language Wizardry Series.

These are downloadable and printable but the second is also an interactive ebook:


Plain Language in Organizations: An Action Plan

and

Website Usability: A Plain Language Toolbox

The previews provide each book's table of contents.