Preface
- Page ID
- 172714
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PART I:
Communication Basics
COMMUNICATION BASICS
Plain Language Requirement: It’s the Law
Agencies of the US Government have a long history of trying to improve their ability to communicate with the public they serve. Public Law 111-274, Plain Writing Act of 2010, is the most recent mandate to target unclear language in government documents. The Plain Writing Act is implemented in the Department of Defense (DoD) by DoD Instruction 5025.13, DoD Plain Language Program, which "promotes the use of clear, concise, and well organized language in documents to effectively communicate with intended audiences." Everything you write in your official Air Force capacity needs to comply with the Plain Writing Act as directed by DoDI 5025.13. It should also comply with the specifics of Air Force Instruction (AFI) 33-360, Publications and Forms Management, for any Air Force publications. So, when you are preparing to write or speak, and before putting pen to paper for a report or publication, remember to keep it plain.
Plain Language in the Air Force: Be Clear, Concise and Specific
When drafting new publications or revising existing ones, authors will follow the Federal Plain Language Guidelines available at http://www.plainlanguage.gov, as appropriate. Specialized language may be required depending on the intended audience, but language and content organization should be as clear as possible.
-AFI 33-360, para. 6.5.10
The instruction also provides three plain language concepts (be clear, be concise, and be specific) with tips on how to write to achieve each concept. Keep these concepts in mind as you work prepare to write any document. These concepts will help with your briefings, too!