Goal: Show why leadership support is essential for plain language success and how to actively engage leaders to champion clear communication.
Without leadership support, plain language will struggle to gain traction.
Ways to engage leaders
- Show evidence of benefits: fewer errors, better compliance, higher customer satisfaction.
- Provide simple, powerful messages they can use in speeches or memos.
- Highlight competitors or peer organisations who are excelling at plain language.
- Ask them to model plain language in their own work.
Why leadership matters
- Sends a signal that plain language is a priority.
- Helps secure resources for training and materials.
- Builds a culture where clear communication is valued.
Practical tip
Give leaders a “plain language briefing pack” with talking points, examples, and success stories.
Reflection prompt
- Why is leadership support crucial for the success of a plain language initiative?
- What are some effective ways to engage leaders and encourage them to champion plain language?