Governments are charged with knowing and promoting what is best for us all. IWCC is charged with knowing and promoting communication techniques that are best for us all. And when it comes to effective written communication techniques, IWCC and President Barack Obama are promoting the same message. Last year, we let our readers know that President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act on October 13, 2010. The Act emphasizes the importance of using plain language in all written documents.

Using plain language in written documents is still as important as it was a year ago. As the tools and technology we use to write evolve, it is important for writers to write clear and succinct messages that can be easily read and understood.

The Act is simply defined as guidelines that help produce clear, concise, well-organized writing that is focused on the appropriate audience. Did they take that definition right out of IWCC’s effective business writing workshops? IWCC Training’s mantra has always been to teach others to focus on the needs of their audience and communicate clearly and concisely when speaking, writing or meeting.

Plain language, or as we like to call it, High Impact Writing style, is the BEST way to get your message across clearly and get work done right the first time! We were surprised and delighted to see that our effective business writing fundamentals echo the US Government’s newly released list of Federal Plain Writing Guidelines.

So, what are the overriding guidelines that IWCC Training and the American Federal Government suggest you follow to be an effective writer? The answer is simple, go back to basics by following three steps for every document you write:

Step 1: Know your audience

Step 2: Organize your message to meet your reader’s needs

Step 3: Write your document in a High Impact style - use plain language

Remember to follow these basic steps next time you write an e-mail, report, letter or any other type of written document. Your readers will thank you!

IWCC Training’s Tips for Writing

US Federal Government’s Plain Writing Guidelines