Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language
Plain Language is communication that people can easily understand. Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language primer is designed to help researchers connect with individuals and communities using Plain Language.
Executive Summary
Hypothesis: Communication in Plain Language between researchers and community members/community-based organizations can improve comprehension, community engagement and build trust among diverse communities.
Aim: Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language is a primer that aims to serve as a resource for researchers when creating materials for the public by providing tips on how to use Plain Language in academic and scientific research. Plain Language, defined as clear and straightforward communication, is accessible language that enables readers of varied literacy levels to access and understand the information provided. This primer and related research study seek to overcome barriers to comprehension by promoting communication in Plain Language. The primer emphasizes that by presenting scientific information in Plain Language, research becomes more approachable and stronger connections can be fostered between researchers and the public. Stronger connections encourage broader participation in studies ultimately leading to more representation and inclusiveness in research.
Methods: A qualitative study was implemented between February 2023 through August 2024. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 50 community partners and their community engagement staff from the Western New York region including underrepresented groups such as rural communities and individuals with disabilities. The participants' general views on communication and how they communicate within their communities were explored. Additional questions aimed to understand participants' preferences and collected ideas for improving communication between their communities and research.
Results: Rapid analysis of the interview transcripts identified key barriers to research communication such as use of technical language, lack of relevance to communities, and inaccessible materials. The findings emphasized the need for clear and visually appealing communication. A primer was created for researchers to showcase community preferences and provide tips on design and graphics for creating materials such as recruitment flyers.
Conclusion: The primer highlights the benefits of communicating in Plain Language. Communication in Plain Language not only makes research more accessible but also cultivates trust and engagement with communities that have been historically mistreated and underrepresented in the research field.
Interested in receiving a copy of Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language? See excerpts below and contact us for your copy. Watch a CTSI Open Research Office session to learn more about the primer.
Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language is comprised of five chapters and appendices excerpted below.
Chapter 3: Tips
Now that you know how the target communities define themselves and how they communicate, the next step in material development revolves around how you will communicate your information to them. Effective communication maintains or even improves the attention of the audience to ensure that what you intend to say is being understood as such. We identified three domains that will help improve communication: good communication, ways to get attention, and words that get attention in a positive way.
Good Communication
Good communication is giving or exchanging purposeful information that leaves people with a positive feeling. Plain Language is a form of good communication. We asked participants, “What does good communication mean to you?” We wanted to identify perceived best practices when it comes to good communication and Plain Language. By using good communication, you build relationships and trust. The more interactions people have using good communication, the more opportunities there are to connect.
Ways to Get Attention
Attention is the first thing that you notice when communicating. It draws focus to the most important message. It may not always be intentional. This topic area aims to frame communication approaches to highlight the most important part of the communication and grab attention, in a positive way. Plain Language needs to be engaging.
Words That Get Attention
Words that get attention are the words that you see first or remember the most. Participants were asked, “What words get your attention?” In this way, participants thought about Plain Language aspects of communication. The first words used in a flyer, social media post, or any communication are the attention-grabbing words that set the stage. Be sure to use words that showcase what your work is all about in the most positive way.