Communicating with the Plain Writing Act of 2010: Writing Essentials

Good writing is clear, direct, and easy to understand, especially when the message affects the public. The Plain Writing Act of 2010, signed into law by President Barack Obama, requires all federal agencies to use straightforward, accessible language in every document they produce. The goal is simple: make government communication clear and useful for everyone.

The Importance of Plain Language

Plain writing doesn’t mean oversimplifying complex ideas. It means expressing them in a way that readers can easily follow and act upon. Using short sentences, familiar words, and logical structure helps people quickly find and understand what they need. The idea dates back to The Elements of Style (1918), where Strunk and White encouraged writers to “eliminate deadwood," advice that still guides clear communication today.

Tools and Guidelines to Improve Clarity

The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) supports federal employees in adopting plain writing practices through resources, training, and real-world examples. Its Federal Plain Language Guidelines highlight how to:

Define your audience and write with their needs in mind.
Organize content so information is easy to locate and follow.
Use short, subject-verb-object sentences to strengthen clarity.
Avoid jargon, hidden verbs, and long noun strings that make writing dense.
Choose simple, consistent terminology throughout a document.

These practices aren’t just stylistic; they improve transparency, efficiency, and public trust.

Accountability and Public Confidence

Agencies are held accountable through annual reports to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which reviews compliance with the Act. While there are no direct penalties, poor communication can lead to public criticism and reputational damage. Clear writing, on the other hand, helps agencies serve the public more effectively and strengthens confidence in government communication.

Natalya H. Bah

Natalya Bah has been a part-time instructor at the Graduate School USA for over fifteen years. Natalya teaches across multiple curricula, including Leadership and Management, Project Management, and Human Resources. She has created a curriculum for the school, including Change Management Workshops and project management courses. She has served as an action learning coach, instructor, and facilitator for government leadership programs in the Center for Leadership and Management. Natalya also provides self-assessments and dynamic team-building sessions on behalf of the Graduate School USA.

Outside of Graduate School USA, Ms. Bah is a self-employed business owner providing executive coaching, training, and consulting services to the public and private sectors. She created the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process™ and is a certified Birkman Method© Consultant. She received her Master of Science degree in Project Management from George Washington University’s School of Business, where she served as a teaching assistant and received the Project Management Award. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).