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Plain Language Campaign Frequently Asked Questions

Frequent Questions & Answers


  1. Why use plain language?

    We use plain language to better serve our customers. In his first few days of office, Governor Charlie Crist made an executive order that state government begin communicating with the public in plain language. Government agencies are famous for using language that can be difficult for people to understand. Here at the Department of Management Services, we serve more than 1.1 million customers. We know it is important to communicate with them in an easy-to-understand way. We applaud and embrace this effort.

  2. What is plain language?

    Plain language is clear and easily understood by the intended audience. For example, people who work in technology use terms that may not be understood by those of us who do not work in the field. So when they talk with other technology professionals, they use acronyms that the rest of us do not understand but are appropriate for those they work with every day. But when they are helping an employee with a computer problem, they should use easily understood terms. Likewise, when we talk with retirees about their benefits, we use terms they understand. We consider our audience and use the language appropriate for them. Plain language also means that we organize things logically (first do this, then do that) in short, easy-to-understand sentences. We use active voice and present information so our customers understand the meaning on the first try.

  3. Who benefits from plain language?

    We all do. First and foremost, we serve the public. The Department of Management Services communicates with thousands of people each and every day. From those looking for a job with the state, to those who served for 30 years, from legislators to business owners, we answer questions about employment, benefits, state buildings, contracts, vehicles and airplanes - even landscaping. Our motto is "we serve those who serve Florida." When the people who service the state use plain language to communicate, every citizen benefits. Through the use of plain language, we do a better job of meeting the needs of Florida.

  4. How is the Department of Management Services making sure everything is in plain language?

    First, we looked at what we wrote in plain language and what needed change ( click here to view our plain language plan (msword 362.50 kB) ). Then we trained our staff to begin using plain language in all their communications with our customers. We continue to update materials and build good plain language practices throughout the department. We've also developed a style guide (click here to view), to make sure we use the same words to communicate with our customers.

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