Introduction How to write easily understandable texts

Introduction How to write easily understandable texts

1. Avoid mistakes and use our tips to simplify your texts

   • Writing easy-to-understand texts is easy, many people think. You stick to a few simple rules, make short sentences, and you’re done. But anyone who has ever seriously tested their text with test persons from the target group knows: Writing in so-called “plain language” or “easy language” is anything but easy.

2. Mistake 1: Just use pictures and videos instead of text. People don't read anything any more anyway.

   • Images work best for very simple, concrete messages regarding universally recognized objects, such as "No Smoking." However, as soon as you want to convey complex or abstract content, images alone reach their limits. On the other hand, videos are excellent for conveying a brand image, storytelling, or visualizing something invisible. Furthermore, it can be relatively difficult to get a general idea of what to expect from the video at the outset.

3. Mistake 2: Just make shorter sentences and don't use technical terms. Then it will work out.

   • Short sentences are easier to read than those interminable, long, and convoluted ones. However, clear sentences with simple structures and logical content *can* be long; sometimes, artificially shortening them actually hinders reading flow. Want an example? • Ulrike writes a story about her vacation using her red pencil. • Ulrike writes with her red pencil. She is writing a story. She writes about her vacation. If you want your target audience to know more about the subject after reading your text than they did before, you cannot do without technical terms—though you should only use and introduce those that are truly necessary for understanding.

4. Misconception 3: Easy Language is only needed by people with disabilities

   • We now know that these individuals can learn much more and lead more independent lives if they receive information and knowledge in an easy-to-understand format. Consequently, we no longer speak of people with "intellectual disabilities," but rather of those with "learning difficulties," as this term describes their situation more accurately. Prior knowledge and experience are just as important for text comprehension as an individual's cognitive abilities. To further complicate matters, such knowledge and experience can vary enormously within the same person depending on the subject at hand. What is very simple for some may be insurmountable for others, and this situation changes drastically depending on the topic.

5. Enough about errors, now let's look ahead

   • Our experts in easy-to-understand language have developed the "Capito model." Just as a ramp facilitates access for wheelchair users, this model helps target groups with reading difficulties progress from one level to the next and continuously improve their reading skills. We apply this step-by-step model in our training courses, workshops, and e-learning programs.

6. 4 tips to make your texts easier to understand

   • 1. Tie your text like pearls to the thread
     • Many people start writing with great enthusiasm, only to realize they need to explain a word or a paragraph before moving forward. The text begins to stall; you lose focus or get stuck right at the beginning.
   • 2. Describe your content concretely and precisely
     • Anyone who translates standard texts into an "easy-to-read" version is familiar with this issue: the original often lacks precision, and many terms in our language allow for various nuances and interpretations.
   • 3. Make the information easy to read and attractive
     • There is a lot to be said for using easy-to-read typefaces. Arial isn't necessarily the best font for readability! While its use was promoted for decades in various "easy-to-read" standards, there are now many other fonts that are easier to read; some even have serifs—something once considered completely unacceptable in the realm of "easy-to-read" content.
   • 4. Use the potential of different media for accessibility
     • Each medium has its own strengths and weaknesses regarding accessibility and usability; the choice depends on the target audience, the context, and the purpose of the information.