SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Then and Now: Creating a
Plain Language Culture

Karen Baker, MHS
SVP/Consumer Experience

Center for Plain Language
October 9, 2012
“   Medical gobbledygook
    robs people of their
    autonomy. Without
    understanding, they
    have no real say in
    their care.
    Plain language
    gives them back

                      ”
    their say.

               --Don Kemper
       Healthwise Founder and CEO
Today’s Goals

• Value

• History

• Today

• You
Nonprofit Organization Since 1975




                   Our mission:
    To help people make better health decisions
The Plain Language Value Proposition




   Helping People Understand = Mission and Revenue
Anna’s Story


                                               “         There are all these
                                                         huge words and
                                                         ambiguous terms,
                                                         and you only vaguely

                                                                                       ”
                                                         understand any of it.

                                                                             --Anna Stuart




Taking Medical Jargon Out of Doctor Visits, Wall Street Journal, July 2010
Our Story: A Long and Continuing Road




      Plain Language Milestones 1975-Present
Plain Language and Healthwise Today




          An Enterprise-Wide Commitment
The 3 Ps: Personal, Plain, Possible



                   “   The single biggest
                       problem in
                       communication is
                       the illusion that it has

                                                  ”
                       taken place.

                        --George Bernard Shaw
                                            Nobelprize.org
A Path To Success


 It’s really not

 as daunting as

 it looks!
Six (Only Six!) Steps To Success


1. Identify the Benefits    4. Commit (Hearts and Minds)

2. Get Support at the Top   5. Include Users

3. Train (Skills)           6. Start Small—But Start
The Appeal of Plain Language



                  “   It’s more fun to talk with
                      someone who doesn’t
                      use long, difficult words
                      but rather short, easy
                      words like


                                             ”
                      ‘What about lunch?’

                             --Winnie the Pooh
Then and Now: Creating a Plain Language Culture

More Related Content

Similar to Then and Now: Creating a Plain Language Culture

Brriers of communication
Brriers of communicationBrriers of communication
Brriers of communication
Gopal Venu
 
Tips on Being a Better Communicator.pptx
Tips on Being a Better Communicator.pptxTips on Being a Better Communicator.pptx
Tips on Being a Better Communicator.pptx
Kenneth Kingdon-Korab
 
Public Speaking Deck- quotes and tips
Public Speaking Deck- quotes and tipsPublic Speaking Deck- quotes and tips
Public Speaking Deck- quotes and tips
new ancient
 
Interpersonal Communication Project
Interpersonal Communication ProjectInterpersonal Communication Project
Interpersonal Communication Project
plhill14
 
Die Empty
Die EmptyDie Empty
Die Empty
GMR Group
 
You can quote me on these!
You can quote me on these!You can quote me on these!
You can quote me on these!
"NO SWEAT" Public Speaking!
 
Meetup Amsterdam - Inclusive Language - Slideshare.pdf
Meetup Amsterdam - Inclusive Language - Slideshare.pdfMeetup Amsterdam - Inclusive Language - Slideshare.pdf
Meetup Amsterdam - Inclusive Language - Slideshare.pdf
Yvette Sonneveld
 
International Skills-based Volunteering Best Practices
International Skills-based Volunteering Best PracticesInternational Skills-based Volunteering Best Practices
International Skills-based Volunteering Best Practices
Mark Horoszowski
 
Infants’ understanding of communicative interactions, Alia martin
Infants’ understanding of communicative interactions, Alia martinInfants’ understanding of communicative interactions, Alia martin
Infants’ understanding of communicative interactions, Alia martin
KIT Cognitive Interaction Design
 
Early sl acquisition
Early sl acquisitionEarly sl acquisition
Early sl acquisition
FatherTed12345
 
Communication
CommunicationCommunication
NDMV disability awareness training
NDMV disability awareness trainingNDMV disability awareness training
NDMV disability awareness training
NSIPerin
 
The Unconscious Learning Lies and the Unconscious Teaching Lies
The Unconscious Learning Lies and the Unconscious Teaching LiesThe Unconscious Learning Lies and the Unconscious Teaching Lies
The Unconscious Learning Lies and the Unconscious Teaching Lies
LiteracyCenter
 
Attentive Listening for Better Outcomes - MindShifts
Attentive Listening for Better Outcomes - MindShifts Attentive Listening for Better Outcomes - MindShifts
Attentive Listening for Better Outcomes - MindShifts
celeste moroney
 
Cambrian College Inclusive Design
Cambrian College Inclusive DesignCambrian College Inclusive Design
Cambrian College Inclusive Design
Jess Mitchell
 
Public Speaking
Public SpeakingPublic Speaking
UTB Chapter 10 Public Speaking.pdf
UTB Chapter 10 Public Speaking.pdfUTB Chapter 10 Public Speaking.pdf
UTB Chapter 10 Public Speaking.pdf
JayaBerjaya1
 
Supporting Those Experiencing Ambiguous Loss (Missing) April 22 2015
Supporting Those Experiencing Ambiguous Loss (Missing) April 22 2015Supporting Those Experiencing Ambiguous Loss (Missing) April 22 2015
Supporting Those Experiencing Ambiguous Loss (Missing) April 22 2015
Maureen Trask
 
Berlos theory of communication2
Berlos theory of communication2Berlos theory of communication2
Berlos theory of communication2
paulmreyes
 
Interpersonal communication (final)
Interpersonal communication (final)Interpersonal communication (final)
Interpersonal communication (final)
Abigail Estoesta
 

Similar to Then and Now: Creating a Plain Language Culture (20)

Brriers of communication
Brriers of communicationBrriers of communication
Brriers of communication
 
Tips on Being a Better Communicator.pptx
Tips on Being a Better Communicator.pptxTips on Being a Better Communicator.pptx
Tips on Being a Better Communicator.pptx
 
Public Speaking Deck- quotes and tips
Public Speaking Deck- quotes and tipsPublic Speaking Deck- quotes and tips
Public Speaking Deck- quotes and tips
 
Interpersonal Communication Project
Interpersonal Communication ProjectInterpersonal Communication Project
Interpersonal Communication Project
 
Die Empty
Die EmptyDie Empty
Die Empty
 
You can quote me on these!
You can quote me on these!You can quote me on these!
You can quote me on these!
 
Meetup Amsterdam - Inclusive Language - Slideshare.pdf
Meetup Amsterdam - Inclusive Language - Slideshare.pdfMeetup Amsterdam - Inclusive Language - Slideshare.pdf
Meetup Amsterdam - Inclusive Language - Slideshare.pdf
 
International Skills-based Volunteering Best Practices
International Skills-based Volunteering Best PracticesInternational Skills-based Volunteering Best Practices
International Skills-based Volunteering Best Practices
 
Infants’ understanding of communicative interactions, Alia martin
Infants’ understanding of communicative interactions, Alia martinInfants’ understanding of communicative interactions, Alia martin
Infants’ understanding of communicative interactions, Alia martin
 
Early sl acquisition
Early sl acquisitionEarly sl acquisition
Early sl acquisition
 
Communication
CommunicationCommunication
Communication
 
NDMV disability awareness training
NDMV disability awareness trainingNDMV disability awareness training
NDMV disability awareness training
 
The Unconscious Learning Lies and the Unconscious Teaching Lies
The Unconscious Learning Lies and the Unconscious Teaching LiesThe Unconscious Learning Lies and the Unconscious Teaching Lies
The Unconscious Learning Lies and the Unconscious Teaching Lies
 
Attentive Listening for Better Outcomes - MindShifts
Attentive Listening for Better Outcomes - MindShifts Attentive Listening for Better Outcomes - MindShifts
Attentive Listening for Better Outcomes - MindShifts
 
Cambrian College Inclusive Design
Cambrian College Inclusive DesignCambrian College Inclusive Design
Cambrian College Inclusive Design
 
Public Speaking
Public SpeakingPublic Speaking
Public Speaking
 
UTB Chapter 10 Public Speaking.pdf
UTB Chapter 10 Public Speaking.pdfUTB Chapter 10 Public Speaking.pdf
UTB Chapter 10 Public Speaking.pdf
 
Supporting Those Experiencing Ambiguous Loss (Missing) April 22 2015
Supporting Those Experiencing Ambiguous Loss (Missing) April 22 2015Supporting Those Experiencing Ambiguous Loss (Missing) April 22 2015
Supporting Those Experiencing Ambiguous Loss (Missing) April 22 2015
 
Berlos theory of communication2
Berlos theory of communication2Berlos theory of communication2
Berlos theory of communication2
 
Interpersonal communication (final)
Interpersonal communication (final)Interpersonal communication (final)
Interpersonal communication (final)
 

Recently uploaded

World trade center in kerala proposal- AR. DEEKSHITH MAROLI 724519251008 REPORT
World trade center in kerala proposal- AR. DEEKSHITH MAROLI 724519251008 REPORTWorld trade center in kerala proposal- AR. DEEKSHITH MAROLI 724519251008 REPORT
World trade center in kerala proposal- AR. DEEKSHITH MAROLI 724519251008 REPORT
deekshithmaroli666
 
一比一原版(UoB毕业证)英国伯明翰大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(UoB毕业证)英国伯明翰大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(UoB毕业证)英国伯明翰大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(UoB毕业证)英国伯明翰大学毕业证如何办理
zv943dhb
 
Intel-Centrino-Mobile-Technology-guidelines
Intel-Centrino-Mobile-Technology-guidelinesIntel-Centrino-Mobile-Technology-guidelines
Intel-Centrino-Mobile-Technology-guidelines
EricHo305923
 
Update 33 models(General Diode ) in SPICE PARK(JUN2024)
Update 33 models(General Diode ) in SPICE PARK(JUN2024)Update 33 models(General Diode ) in SPICE PARK(JUN2024)
Update 33 models(General Diode ) in SPICE PARK(JUN2024)
Tsuyoshi Horigome
 
Delhi Call Girls 📞 9873940964 ❤️ Full enjoy at your Door Step Available 24x7
Delhi Call Girls 📞 9873940964 ❤️ Full enjoy at your Door Step Available 24x7Delhi Call Girls 📞 9873940964 ❤️ Full enjoy at your Door Step Available 24x7
Delhi Call Girls 📞 9873940964 ❤️ Full enjoy at your Door Step Available 24x7
yesp58846
 
一比一原版(lu毕业证书)英国拉夫堡大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(lu毕业证书)英国拉夫堡大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(lu毕业证书)英国拉夫堡大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(lu毕业证书)英国拉夫堡大学毕业证如何办理
ubogumo
 
一比一原版(ucb毕业证书)英国伯明翰大学学院毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(ucb毕业证书)英国伯明翰大学学院毕业证如何办理一比一原版(ucb毕业证书)英国伯明翰大学学院毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(ucb毕业证书)英国伯明翰大学学院毕业证如何办理
qbydc
 
一比一原版(Deakin毕业证书)澳洲迪肯大学毕业证文凭如何办理
一比一原版(Deakin毕业证书)澳洲迪肯大学毕业证文凭如何办理一比一原版(Deakin毕业证书)澳洲迪肯大学毕业证文凭如何办理
一比一原版(Deakin毕业证书)澳洲迪肯大学毕业证文凭如何办理
k4krdgxx
 
一比一原版(Hull毕业证)英国哈珀亚当斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Hull毕业证)英国哈珀亚当斯大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(Hull毕业证)英国哈珀亚当斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Hull毕业证)英国哈珀亚当斯大学毕业证如何办理
aonx8o5f
 
一比一原版澳洲莫纳什大学毕业证(Monash学位证)如何办理
一比一原版澳洲莫纳什大学毕业证(Monash学位证)如何办理一比一原版澳洲莫纳什大学毕业证(Monash学位证)如何办理
一比一原版澳洲莫纳什大学毕业证(Monash学位证)如何办理
10h6bbc4
 
一比一原版美国加州大学欧文分校毕业证(UCI学位证)如何办理
一比一原版美国加州大学欧文分校毕业证(UCI学位证)如何办理一比一原版美国加州大学欧文分校毕业证(UCI学位证)如何办理
一比一原版美国加州大学欧文分校毕业证(UCI学位证)如何办理
02tygie
 
一比一原版(CSUEB毕业证)美国加州州立大学东湾分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(CSUEB毕业证)美国加州州立大学东湾分校毕业证如何办理一比一原版(CSUEB毕业证)美国加州州立大学东湾分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(CSUEB毕业证)美国加州州立大学东湾分校毕业证如何办理
stgq9v39
 
Call Girls Ahmedabad( 🤑 7488326553 🤑) Vip Call Girl Ahmedabad
Call Girls Ahmedabad( 🤑 7488326553 🤑) Vip Call Girl AhmedabadCall Girls Ahmedabad( 🤑 7488326553 🤑) Vip Call Girl Ahmedabad
Call Girls Ahmedabad( 🤑 7488326553 🤑) Vip Call Girl Ahmedabad
babesbookhot
 
一比一原版(falmouth毕业证书)法尔茅斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(falmouth毕业证书)法尔茅斯大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(falmouth毕业证书)法尔茅斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(falmouth毕业证书)法尔茅斯大学毕业证如何办理
xnhwr8v
 
The Power to Battle! Slideshow by: Kal-el
The Power to Battle! Slideshow by: Kal-elThe Power to Battle! Slideshow by: Kal-el
The Power to Battle! Slideshow by: Kal-el
Kal-el Shows
 
一比一原版英国伦敦政治经济学院毕业证(LSE学位证)如何办理
一比一原版英国伦敦政治经济学院毕业证(LSE学位证)如何办理一比一原版英国伦敦政治经济学院毕业证(LSE学位证)如何办理
一比一原版英国伦敦政治经济学院毕业证(LSE学位证)如何办理
k4krdgxx
 
Plastic Molding Infographic - RPWORLD.pdf
Plastic Molding Infographic - RPWORLD.pdfPlastic Molding Infographic - RPWORLD.pdf
Plastic Molding Infographic - RPWORLD.pdf
RPWORLD Manufacturing
 
Call Girls Jaipur 📞 8445551418 🌟Door Step Delivery We Offering You 100% Genuine
Call Girls Jaipur 📞 8445551418 🌟Door Step Delivery We Offering You 100% GenuineCall Girls Jaipur 📞 8445551418 🌟Door Step Delivery We Offering You 100% Genuine
Call Girls Jaipur 📞 8445551418 🌟Door Step Delivery We Offering You 100% Genuine
parulsinha
 
欧洲杯足彩-欧洲杯足彩买球软件-欧洲杯足彩买球软件下载|【​网址​🎉ac123.net🎉​】
欧洲杯足彩-欧洲杯足彩买球软件-欧洲杯足彩买球软件下载|【​网址​🎉ac123.net🎉​】欧洲杯足彩-欧洲杯足彩买球软件-欧洲杯足彩买球软件下载|【​网址​🎉ac123.net🎉​】
欧洲杯足彩-欧洲杯足彩买球软件-欧洲杯足彩买球软件下载|【​网址​🎉ac123.net🎉​】
batchelorerbm45967
 
一比一原版(Rice毕业证)美国莱斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Rice毕业证)美国莱斯大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(Rice毕业证)美国莱斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Rice毕业证)美国莱斯大学毕业证如何办理
oabn3692
 

Recently uploaded (20)

World trade center in kerala proposal- AR. DEEKSHITH MAROLI 724519251008 REPORT
World trade center in kerala proposal- AR. DEEKSHITH MAROLI 724519251008 REPORTWorld trade center in kerala proposal- AR. DEEKSHITH MAROLI 724519251008 REPORT
World trade center in kerala proposal- AR. DEEKSHITH MAROLI 724519251008 REPORT
 
一比一原版(UoB毕业证)英国伯明翰大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(UoB毕业证)英国伯明翰大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(UoB毕业证)英国伯明翰大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(UoB毕业证)英国伯明翰大学毕业证如何办理
 
Intel-Centrino-Mobile-Technology-guidelines
Intel-Centrino-Mobile-Technology-guidelinesIntel-Centrino-Mobile-Technology-guidelines
Intel-Centrino-Mobile-Technology-guidelines
 
Update 33 models(General Diode ) in SPICE PARK(JUN2024)
Update 33 models(General Diode ) in SPICE PARK(JUN2024)Update 33 models(General Diode ) in SPICE PARK(JUN2024)
Update 33 models(General Diode ) in SPICE PARK(JUN2024)
 
Delhi Call Girls 📞 9873940964 ❤️ Full enjoy at your Door Step Available 24x7
Delhi Call Girls 📞 9873940964 ❤️ Full enjoy at your Door Step Available 24x7Delhi Call Girls 📞 9873940964 ❤️ Full enjoy at your Door Step Available 24x7
Delhi Call Girls 📞 9873940964 ❤️ Full enjoy at your Door Step Available 24x7
 
一比一原版(lu毕业证书)英国拉夫堡大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(lu毕业证书)英国拉夫堡大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(lu毕业证书)英国拉夫堡大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(lu毕业证书)英国拉夫堡大学毕业证如何办理
 
一比一原版(ucb毕业证书)英国伯明翰大学学院毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(ucb毕业证书)英国伯明翰大学学院毕业证如何办理一比一原版(ucb毕业证书)英国伯明翰大学学院毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(ucb毕业证书)英国伯明翰大学学院毕业证如何办理
 
一比一原版(Deakin毕业证书)澳洲迪肯大学毕业证文凭如何办理
一比一原版(Deakin毕业证书)澳洲迪肯大学毕业证文凭如何办理一比一原版(Deakin毕业证书)澳洲迪肯大学毕业证文凭如何办理
一比一原版(Deakin毕业证书)澳洲迪肯大学毕业证文凭如何办理
 
一比一原版(Hull毕业证)英国哈珀亚当斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Hull毕业证)英国哈珀亚当斯大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(Hull毕业证)英国哈珀亚当斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Hull毕业证)英国哈珀亚当斯大学毕业证如何办理
 
一比一原版澳洲莫纳什大学毕业证(Monash学位证)如何办理
一比一原版澳洲莫纳什大学毕业证(Monash学位证)如何办理一比一原版澳洲莫纳什大学毕业证(Monash学位证)如何办理
一比一原版澳洲莫纳什大学毕业证(Monash学位证)如何办理
 
一比一原版美国加州大学欧文分校毕业证(UCI学位证)如何办理
一比一原版美国加州大学欧文分校毕业证(UCI学位证)如何办理一比一原版美国加州大学欧文分校毕业证(UCI学位证)如何办理
一比一原版美国加州大学欧文分校毕业证(UCI学位证)如何办理
 
一比一原版(CSUEB毕业证)美国加州州立大学东湾分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(CSUEB毕业证)美国加州州立大学东湾分校毕业证如何办理一比一原版(CSUEB毕业证)美国加州州立大学东湾分校毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(CSUEB毕业证)美国加州州立大学东湾分校毕业证如何办理
 
Call Girls Ahmedabad( 🤑 7488326553 🤑) Vip Call Girl Ahmedabad
Call Girls Ahmedabad( 🤑 7488326553 🤑) Vip Call Girl AhmedabadCall Girls Ahmedabad( 🤑 7488326553 🤑) Vip Call Girl Ahmedabad
Call Girls Ahmedabad( 🤑 7488326553 🤑) Vip Call Girl Ahmedabad
 
一比一原版(falmouth毕业证书)法尔茅斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(falmouth毕业证书)法尔茅斯大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(falmouth毕业证书)法尔茅斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(falmouth毕业证书)法尔茅斯大学毕业证如何办理
 
The Power to Battle! Slideshow by: Kal-el
The Power to Battle! Slideshow by: Kal-elThe Power to Battle! Slideshow by: Kal-el
The Power to Battle! Slideshow by: Kal-el
 
一比一原版英国伦敦政治经济学院毕业证(LSE学位证)如何办理
一比一原版英国伦敦政治经济学院毕业证(LSE学位证)如何办理一比一原版英国伦敦政治经济学院毕业证(LSE学位证)如何办理
一比一原版英国伦敦政治经济学院毕业证(LSE学位证)如何办理
 
Plastic Molding Infographic - RPWORLD.pdf
Plastic Molding Infographic - RPWORLD.pdfPlastic Molding Infographic - RPWORLD.pdf
Plastic Molding Infographic - RPWORLD.pdf
 
Call Girls Jaipur 📞 8445551418 🌟Door Step Delivery We Offering You 100% Genuine
Call Girls Jaipur 📞 8445551418 🌟Door Step Delivery We Offering You 100% GenuineCall Girls Jaipur 📞 8445551418 🌟Door Step Delivery We Offering You 100% Genuine
Call Girls Jaipur 📞 8445551418 🌟Door Step Delivery We Offering You 100% Genuine
 
欧洲杯足彩-欧洲杯足彩买球软件-欧洲杯足彩买球软件下载|【​网址​🎉ac123.net🎉​】
欧洲杯足彩-欧洲杯足彩买球软件-欧洲杯足彩买球软件下载|【​网址​🎉ac123.net🎉​】欧洲杯足彩-欧洲杯足彩买球软件-欧洲杯足彩买球软件下载|【​网址​🎉ac123.net🎉​】
欧洲杯足彩-欧洲杯足彩买球软件-欧洲杯足彩买球软件下载|【​网址​🎉ac123.net🎉​】
 
一比一原版(Rice毕业证)美国莱斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Rice毕业证)美国莱斯大学毕业证如何办理一比一原版(Rice毕业证)美国莱斯大学毕业证如何办理
一比一原版(Rice毕业证)美国莱斯大学毕业证如何办理
 

Then and Now: Creating a Plain Language Culture

  • 1. Then and Now: Creating a Plain Language Culture Karen Baker, MHS SVP/Consumer Experience Center for Plain Language October 9, 2012
  • 2. Medical gobbledygook robs people of their autonomy. Without understanding, they have no real say in their care. Plain language gives them back ” their say. --Don Kemper Healthwise Founder and CEO
  • 3. Today’s Goals • Value • History • Today • You
  • 4. Nonprofit Organization Since 1975 Our mission: To help people make better health decisions
  • 5. The Plain Language Value Proposition Helping People Understand = Mission and Revenue
  • 6. Anna’s Story “ There are all these huge words and ambiguous terms, and you only vaguely ” understand any of it. --Anna Stuart Taking Medical Jargon Out of Doctor Visits, Wall Street Journal, July 2010
  • 7. Our Story: A Long and Continuing Road Plain Language Milestones 1975-Present
  • 8. Plain Language and Healthwise Today An Enterprise-Wide Commitment
  • 9. The 3 Ps: Personal, Plain, Possible “ The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has ” taken place. --George Bernard Shaw Nobelprize.org
  • 10. A Path To Success It’s really not as daunting as it looks!
  • 11. Six (Only Six!) Steps To Success 1. Identify the Benefits 4. Commit (Hearts and Minds) 2. Get Support at the Top 5. Include Users 3. Train (Skills) 6. Start Small—But Start
  • 12. The Appeal of Plain Language “ It’s more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like ” ‘What about lunch?’ --Winnie the Pooh

Editor's Notes

  1. Nobelprize.org