Plain speaking

You can go a long way towards using plain language by being careful with the words and expressions you automatically use in routine correspondence. Phrases like “Please find enclosed herewith” may be warm and comforting to you but they are the opposite to clients.

To give you an idea of the potential for improvement, here is a sample selection of words and expressions I found in recent correspondence. Opposite each word or expression I have suggested alternatives.

TABLE TO COME!

You will notice that there are no technical words and expressions in these examples. Instead, I want to emphasise that we are often accused of using a different language because that’s exactly what we do – even without using the specialised vocabulary of the law.

A couple of points to finish with.

First, you won’t always be able to replace words easily. However, just by stopping to think about the language you use you will be taking a huge step in the right direction.

Second, the list here is only a small selection of the words that you can change for the better. This month’s reading list include pointers to fuller lists.