Plain Talk and Plain Action

In the fall of 2010, the federal government took a step designed to enhance communication for the entire nation. Instead of using language viewed as being confusing, convoluted and difficult to read, the government initiated a corrective measure. This action came in the form of passage of the Plain Writing Act, which requires federal agencies to start writing plainly in all publications produced for the public. That means instead of using phrases like "it is requested," the government will simply say "please." Instead of saying "it is required," the government will now say "you must." This legislation is largely due to the efforts of Annetta Cheek, a leader in the the plain language movement and current director of the Center for Plain Language.  

I am all for most anything that helps people communicate more easily and effectively. And if this legislation, now over a year old, does that, then great, particularly as it applies to improving interaction between federal agencies and the general population. For over a decade now, that relationship has been suffering. In fact, the American public's general opinion of government at present is at all-time low. Granted, that reality is because of the well-earned perception that elected officials do little any more but argue, name-call and point figures at each other.  But another key factor is due to their inability and unwillingness to adequately communicate with each other and with their constituents.

In order to truly connect with the public, then government officials - and this includes all elected to the executive and legislation branches - need to move beyond talking plain and turn their outreach into tangible and meaningful actions. As Eliza Doolittle sang in "My Fair Lady," "Show me!" Talking, plain or otherwise, is good, but what gives words weight are actions. Granted, communicating is not always easy, particularly when it is with people with whom you disagree or perhaps do not even like. But too much is at stake for any of us to be content with plain talking.