University of Wisconsin–Madison
Enhancing communication, cultural understanding, and learning in our diverse multilingual work environment

Plain Language Training

Plain Language skills can help you get your message across quickly and clearly. These skills are useful to UW employees in a wide range of positions that involve communicating with others. Training is available at no cost, and all UW–Madison faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

Participants can take an introductory class on Plain Language as a stand-alone training, or attend three sequential workshops to gain a deeper understanding of core plain language strategies. Those who complete all three workshops can earn a Plain Language certificate.

  • Introduction to Plain Language
  • Write with Plain Language
  • Design for Plain Language

Instructors will focus on word choice, grammar, organization of content, and format to improve the readability of documents.

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Questions?

Contact Beth Gaytan at
plain-language-cls@wisc.edu.

Online Plain Language Training

In this 4-week online training, you will:

  • complete 4 modules (1 module each week)
  • be assigned to a small group
  • complete group discussion assignments (usually due Tuesdays and Fridays)
  • spend about 2 hours per week on coursework

*You work through modules independently, but you must submit group discussion assignments by their due dates (usually Tuesday and Friday).

Participating in this online training is the equivalent of attending the 3-part in-person series:

  • Introduction to Plain Language
  • Write with Plain Language
  • Design for Plain Language

If you complete the online Plain Language training, you will receive the Plain Language series certificate.

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