Problems With Language Notes

2 guiding principles - write in a clear, simple, straightforward manner and write in a style with which you would be comfortable speaking

jargon- technical language unique to a profession; can become pretentious

gobbledygook- gibberish that supposedly sounds good but is unnecessary or overly complicated

legalese- overreliance on legal terminology

Chase- gobbledygook does not necessarily have bad intentions, just not simple enough
-sometimes big language is necessary, but it must be explained well for the public
- writing in the active voice helps minimize gobbledygook

Zinsser- write so that the reader can picture an actual person performing the actions

- humanity and personality is key, don’t use pompous language

Siegel- Plain English- intended audience should be able to understand the document

- simplifying writing can also be used to mislead, and following the simple laws too rigorously can defeat the purpose

Mathewson- lawyers don’t have to write like novelists, just write clearly

-use plural pronouns and replace pronouns with articles to help avoid sexist language

Olofsson- your audience may have a different communication style based on their background or nationality

- different cultures have different norms in conversation, especially regarding questions, silences and body language