Plain language is a great enabler – a client interview

Today you’re a director of leading compliance training e-learning company Compliance Online but you have a background as an economist. How did you first come across plain language?

It’s true that economics is not a field renowned for its plain language! I first came across plain language as a board member of an organisation that used plain language to make medical aid information more accessible. Together with my colleague Minette Smit, the founder of Compliance Online, we also co-authored a book about competition law that aimed to provide practical insights into the complexities of competition law.

What I learned early on in my journey with plain language is that it’s not about dumbing down the language you use. It’s about being able to convey information effectively. It’s also not just about words, it’s about considering how the content is structured and visual tools like pictures too.

Why is it important to use plain language when it comes to training – and e-learning in particular?

When it comes to compliance training one of the key challenges is: how do we make this content accessible, so that individuals in a company understand the legislation and the potential risks? Plain language plays a big part in helping people understand the underlying principles at work, which is the most important part for our clients. They don’t need their employees to be able to quote a piece of legislation, they need their people to understand how to apply the knowledge they have gained. An excellent place to start with this is by throwing out the jargon, technical language and legalese.

You work with clients that have a global footprint, how do you think South Africa compares when it comes to using plain language?

South Africa has great laws and there are various pieces of legislation that require the use of plain language, like the Consumer Protection Act and National Credit Act. While some companies have made strides in adopting plain language, especially in sectors like financial services, there is still room for improvement.

Why do you think taking a plain language approach is so important when it comes to writing policies? 

I think this is an area where a lot of South African companies could do more. Not enough thought  is given to how companies’ policies are written so that employees can grasp key information accurately and efficiently.

The first interaction an employee has with a company is around a policy, so they have a wonderful opportunity to build a relationship and company culture. Taking a plain language approach to writing a policy not only mitigates risk but also becomes something that people actually want to read, while at the same time promoting a shared understanding of company rules and procedures.

Find out more about Compliance Online or the book that Marylla co-authored here:

A Practical Guide to the South African Competition Act | LexisNexis SA