Clear language: an essential tool to communicate better

Has it ever happened to you that, when reading an official document, you do not understand what is being asked of you? Or that you need to reread an email multiple times to decipher what action you should take? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. These types of communication barriers affect thousands of people every day. Faced with this, clear language is presented as an effective solution to improve the way we communicate, both inside and outside organizations.

 

What is clear language?

 

Clear language is a way of writing that puts the reader at the center. Its main objective is that anyone can Find what you need, understand what you find and use that information quickly and easily. It is not about oversimplifying or infantilizing the texts, but about removing unnecessary obstacles, confused technicalities or entangled grammatical structures that make understanding difficult.

In simple words, it is writing thinking about who is going to read it.

 

Why does clear language matter?

 

Adopting clear language improves the reader’s experience, and also Save time, reduce errors and strengthen confidence in organizations. Companies, public administrations and private entities are incorporating this way of writing as part of their communication strategy.

The benefits are obvious:

• Effectiveness: When a document is easy to read, the reader acts faster and makes fewer mistakes.
• Confidence: A direct and accessible language conveys closeness, transparency and professionalism.
• Reputation: An entity that communicates clearly shows respect for its audience, reinforces its public image and transmits transparency.

In addition, clear language is no longer just a recommendation: in some areas it is a recognized right. The new one Organic Law of Defense Law (5/2024) It establishes in its article 9 that all people have the right to clearly understand legal and administrative documents. This turns clear language into a legal principle, especially relevant for the judicial, administrative and business fields.

 

Clear language in internal communication

 

Within organizations, clear language significantly improves communication between teams. When the messages are understandable from the first moment, the need for clarification is avoided, the reading time is reduced and work management is optimized.

• Emails are more effective.
• Internal manuals are more easily consulted.
• The procedures are more agile.

The result is a increased productivity and a reduction of the effort invested in repetitive or misunderstood tasks.

 

Clear language in external communication

 

For the public, clear language has an even deeper impact. People tend to distrust confusing texts, full of technicalities or cumbersome structures. When what is communicated is not understood, doubts, errors and a perception of lack of transparency arise.

Implement clear language in external communication:

• Decreases user dissatisfaction.
• Enhance interaction with the company or institution.
• democratizes access to information, since it does not exclude those who do not master a technical vocabulary or an administrative language.
• Reduces anxiety that can cause facing complicated texts, especially in legal, banking or medical procedures.

 

a cultural change

 

Adopting clear language is not just a question of style: it implies a change in the way of thinking about communication. It means leaving behind the idea that the complex is more serious or more professional. It means understanding that communicating well is, above all, Make the message reach those who need it without barriers.

This requires training, review of processes and commitment from those who write, review or translate documents. This is where companies like NUADDA, specialized in linguistic services, play a key role. Through translation, localization or revision of texts, it can be guaranteed that the message remains true to the original, in addition to be understandable and clear to all people.

 

Is clear language the same as easy reading?

 

Although they are often mentioned together, they are not the same. The clear language It is aimed at facilitating understanding to a general audience. The easy reading, on the other hand, follows specific guidelines and is designed especially for people with cognitive difficulties or reading comprehension.

Both approaches seek accessibility, but do so from different needs. In any case, both clear language and easy reading They benefit from professional work in writing and translation, to ensure that the message arrives without distortion.

 

a tool at the service of all

 

Clear language is not a fad. Is a Powerful communication tool That improves internal processes, strengthens the relationship with customers and allows more people to access information equitably.

In a world where the amount of information does not stop growing, Clarity becomes a differential value. And as already recognized by Spanish legislation, also in a law.

On NUADDA We believe in responsible, ethical and people-centered communication. For this reason, we accompany companies and institutions in the implementation of linguistic strategies that include clear language as part of their identity. Because communicating well is not just saying it nice. that is to say it so that it is understood.