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Module 1: Understanding Plain Language
Think about the last time you read something that left you puzzled. Maybe it was a form with complicated wording or an email that seemed to go in circles. For many people this is not just annoying, it is a real barrier to taking part in everyday life. Plain language offers a way through. It is not about making things simplistic. It is about writing so that readers can find what they need, understand it, and act on it.
In this first module, we take a closer look at what plain language really means. You will see how it differs from easy to read, why it matters for everyone, and how it links to inclusion and accessibility. Along the way, you will look at real examples, hear from people in the field, and learn the key principles that make a text clear and usable.
By the end, you will have a solid understanding of plain language and why it is an essential skill for anyone who works with information, whether in training, public services or other professional settings.
Module 2: Applying Plain Language
Knowing what plain language is will only take you so far. The real challenge is putting it into practice. Writing clearly, structuring documents so they are easy to use, and adapting existing materials all take skill and practice. This module is about making those skills part of your daily work.
You will start with the basics of clear writing: short sentences, everyday words, active voice and logical structure. Then you will move on to the design side. Headings, spacing, fonts and visuals all influence how a reader experiences a document, whether it is on paper, on screen or on a mobile phone. Finally, you will learn how to take a complex text and rework it. Step by step, you will test, adapt and refine content for different contexts such as training, tourism and the workplace.
By the end of this module, you will be able to apply plain language to real documents and make them more effective for the people who use them.
Module 3: Plain Language in Practice
Plain language only works if it becomes part of everyday habits and shared practices. It is not just about how you write your own texts, but also how you raise awareness, train others and bring clarity into organisations and sectors where communication has real consequences.
In this module, you will start by looking at how to build awareness and encourage others to use plain language. You will explore what happens when everyone makes an effort to be clear, why this builds trust, and how clarity supports diversity and inclusion.
You will then move to the organisational level. You will see how plain language can be embedded into values, policies and working processes, from onboarding to leadership. You will also learn how to measure impact and make sure efforts are sustained.
Finally, you will look beyond your own context. Plain language is now a growing concern in healthcare, public service, workplaces, culture and technology. You will explore examples from across Europe, reflect on translation challenges and discover networks and tools that can help you take plain language further.
By the end of this module, you will see how plain language is not just a skill but a movement, one that you can contribute to in your own practice and professional field.