Conversations on Change: Plain Language

Every successful change starts with a clear story. And how you tell that story, especially the words you choose, can strengthen or sabotage your message. That’s where plain language comes in. I had the honour of recording a Conversation on Change with my friend and colleague, Lynda Harris. Our conversation may be a few years old but the insights are still relevant today. Have a listen. Key moments: 00:00 Introduction 02:12 What is plain language and why does it matter? 03:15 The cost of writing 06:34 Reader-centric perspective 08:05 One piece of advice Lynda gives clients 10:42 Questions to ask before writing 13:30 Purpose and empathy 15:56 The value and risk of email 20:09 Keys to whether email works (or not) 22:24 The MADE formula for emails 26:00 Writing with the end in mind 29:19 The five whys 30:32 Examples of writing that isn't "alive" 33:37 "This means that we will..." exercise for clarity 35:12 Making data more reader-focused --- 🌐 Discover how Lynda and her team improve business outcomes with strategic communication and training: https://writegroup.io/ --- Thanks for watching today! I’m Dr. Dawn-Marie Turner, president of Turner Change Management and creator of The Readiness Mindset®. As a leading expert in organizational change, I work alongside leaders to help them successfully navigate the complexity of change using practical, science-based methods that make their organizations healthier, stronger, and excited about change. --- 🔔 Subscribe for proven strategies to help you thrive in the face of change.    / @turnerchangemanagement   🛒 Purchase my book: "Launch Lead Live: The Executive's Guide to Preventing Resistance & Succeeding With Organizational Change" https://thinktransition.com/product/l... 💻 Leading Change But Not in Charge of It? Discover 10 Simple Rules for Organizational Change. Self-Paced Online Course - https://thinktransition.com/10-simple... 🌐 Visit us online: https://thinktransition.com/ --- When you’re ready to help your people transition through change with ease, here are three ways I can help. ✔️ Subscribe to The Readiness Mindset® newsletter for weekly science-based insights on how to manage change from a place of readiness instead of resistance. https://thinktransition.com/newsletter ✔️ Schedule a discovery consult with a member of my team. They’ll learn more about you, your organization, and share how we can help you transform change from a liability to an asset. https://bit.ly/tcm-chat ✔️ Work with me directly to help your organization, team, or department harness change to power growth. https://thinktransition.com/contact-us/ #changemanagement #leadership #change #ceocoach #organizationalchange #changeleadership #plainlanguage #conversation