How to Make Government Policies Easier for Everyone to Understand -

Imagine opening a large, jargon-filled policy document. The language is incomprehensible, the structure is confusing, and you quickly lose interest. Now, imagine that the same policy is explained in clear, accessible terms, accompanied by visuals or visual elements that break down the key points. Suddenly, it makes sense (and feels relevant).

For government agencies, simplifying complex policies is a legal requirement under the Plain Writing Act of 2010. This law mandates that federal agencies write public-facing documents in plain language to make government more transparent and accessible. But after almost 15 years in effect, it’s clear to most agencies that compliance is only part of the story. Turning legislation, regulations, or agency documents into digestible content takes effort and a bit of creativity.

Here’s how to make policies more engaging, direct, and relevant:

The Power of Plain Language

Complex policies rarely connect with the public because they’re written in technical language that can feel alienating. The Plain Writing Act stipulates using clear, concise, and well-organized communication to make sure citizens can understand government information.

Ways to implement plain language in your communications:

Write Like You Talk: Keep sentences short, active, and in simple terms. Replace phrases like “pursuant to” with “under” and “statutory requirements” with “legal requirements.”
Cut the Jargon: Technical terms and acronyms may make sense internally but confuse your audience. Always define or simplify them.
Organize for Readability: Break content into sections with clear headings and bullet points.

Telling Stories for Real-World Impact

The Plain Writing Act focuses on clear communication, but making policies relatable requires more than just good grammar. Storytelling is a tool that turns these technical, often abstract policies into relatable stories that help the public connect on a human level. For example, instead of just listing features of a housing assistance program, describe how it helped a family secure a stable home to make the benefits more tangible. Even anonymous testimonials can give policies the personal connection that builds understanding.

How to Use Storytelling:

Focus on the people or communities impacted by the policy.
Highlight the challenges the policy addresses and how it solves them.
Use testimonials or case studies as supporting examples.

Adding Visual Elements to Clarify Key Points

When words aren’t enough, visuals can further simplify complex policies and help you meet federal plain language standards. Infographics, charts, and videos are especially effective for breaking down data or procedural steps.

Why Visuals Work:

They’re quick. The human brain processes visuals faster than text.
They’re memorable. People remember more of what they see than what they read.

For example, during a public health campaign, an infographic showing the steps to access free vaccinations can be more effective than a paragraph explaining the same process. Another example is a flowchart showing how funding is distributed across programs, which can make budget policies more digestible.

Tips for Using Visuals:

Keep it simple and focused on one main idea
Use accessible design and avoid small text or overly complex charts
Make the visuals shareable on social media and in newsletters

Building Trust Through Simplicity

Sure, meeting plain language standards checks a compliance box, but it also shows respect for the audience. Simplifying policies is ultimately about trust. When government agencies communicate clearly and transparently, they show their respect for the public’s time and intelligence. This consideration builds credibility, strengthens relationships, and foments better engagement.

Simplified communication also reduces misunderstandings and confusion, which can lead to fewer complaints that your staff has to deal with and can encourage constituent participation in more government programs.

Jen Nieto is the founder of Civica Growth, a B2G content marketing consultancy helping GovTech companies, government contractors, nonprofit organizations, and industry leaders communicate effectively with public sector audiences. Jen’s unique insider perspective, honed over a decade in federal, state, and local government, allows her to create content for her clients that resonates with and motivates government decision-makers. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University and is deeply interested in digital modernization’s potential to make government more responsive, efficient, and collaborative. Off-duty, you’ll find Jen devouring the latest fiction novel or sipping lattes on her patio, possibly doing both at once.

How to Make Government Policies Easier for Everyone to Understand

The Power of Plain Language