Summary of "Accessible Writing (Ashley Bischoff)"
Main Ideas and Concepts
- Accessibility in Writing: The video emphasizes the importance of making writing accessible, particularly for individuals with varying needs. It discusses how the complexity of writing can hinder understanding and usability.
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Factors of Language Complexity:
- sentence length: Longer sentences (over 25 words) can be difficult to understand. Experts recommend keeping sentences between 20 to 25 words for better readability.
- syllable count: The number of syllables in words affects comprehension. Shorter words are generally easier to understand.
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Plain Language Techniques:
- Break complex sentences into shorter ones to enhance clarity.
- Use simpler words instead of complex or technical jargon.
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Examples of Simplification:
- Transform complex phrases into simpler alternatives (e.g., "prior to" becomes "before").
- Replace multi-syllable words with shorter ones (e.g., "sufficient" becomes "enough").
- Utilize contractions to reduce syllable count and improve flow.
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Readability Tools:
- Utilize readability analyzers to check the reading grade level of your writing. Aim for a level below 9 for better comprehension by a wider audience.
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Real-World Implications:
- Discusses how complex writing in emergency alerts can lead to misunderstandings and potentially dangerous situations.
- Provides an example of rewriting a complex weather alert to improve clarity.
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Encouragement for Continuous Improvement:
- Emphasizes that even small changes in writing can significantly improve accessibility and understanding.
Methodology and Instructions
- Sentence Structure:
- Aim for an average sentence length of 20-25 words.
- Use a mix of shorter and longer sentences for variety.
- Word Choice:
- Replace complex words with simpler alternatives:
- "Prior to" → "Before"
- "Commence" → "Start"
- "Sufficient" → "Enough"
- "In order to" → "To"
- "Accordingly" or "Consequently" → "So"
- "The following" → "This"
- "However" → "But"
- Replace complex words with simpler alternatives:
- Use of Contractions:
- Incorporate contractions (e.g., "don't" instead of "do not") to enhance readability.
- Readability Analysis:
- Use tools like the Readability Analyzer to check the Flesh-Kincaid grade level.
- Aim for a grade level below 9 for optimal understanding.
Speakers
- Ashley Bischoff: Copy editor and accessibility analyst, who discusses the principles of accessible writing.
- Jess: Host of the video, who introduces Ashley and facilitates the discussion.
Additional Resources Mentioned
- Plain Language website for simpler word alternatives.
- Readability Analyzer tool.
- Links to slides and additional resources shared by Ashley.
Category
Educational
