Maximus, Inc. · NYSE:MMS
Maximus — Communications Tune Up Webinar Series (March 2014)
38 slides from Maximus's conference presentation, Mar 28, 2014
Slide 1: Plain Language 101: Making Sense of Complex Content
Plain Language 101: Making Sense of Complex Content March 28, 2014 Communications Tune Up Webinar Series Joan Winchester Center for Health Literacy 1
Slide 2: "I can read it, but I don't understand it!"
The pitch is one chain with three stumps surmounted with bails with four creases. The middle stump is in dead center of the bowling crease. The bowler’s front foot must land on the popping crease. He can be stumped out if he is out of his ground. Sundries include byes and leg byes. Some specialist w
Slide 3: Barriers to Understanding
Unfamiliar words Unfamiliar concepts Barriers to Long sentences Understanding Long paragraphs Too many messages 3
Slide 4: What do good readers do that some readers can't?
The pitch is one chain with three stumps surmounted with bails with four creases. The middle stump is in dead center of the bowling crease. The bowler’s front foot must land on the popping crease. He can be stumped out if he is out of his ground. Sundries include byes and leg byes. Some specialist w
Slide 5: Overcoming Barriers to Understanding
Write in plain language! Give a few messages at a time Overcoming Barriers to Target the reading level so everyone can understand Understanding Consider readers’ experience, culture and knowledge 5
Slide 6: Formulas and Software
What are they? Formulas and How do they work? Software How are they useful? 6
Slide 7: Grade 3 reading level?
The eagle soars above the deep chasm. His hoary head swivels laterally. Does he feign placid apathy? Does he abhor this alien invading his realm? Would Grade 3 he abort his flight? Would he reading level? halt it at its height? Plunge into the abyss? Drop a plumb line and seize his prey? Then wing a
Slide 8: The son shines sew brightly on the mourning do.
The son shines sew brightly on the mourning do. 8
Slide 9: Before and After
Before: After: The eagle soars above the deep The eagle flies over the canyon. chasm. His hoary head swivels His old head turns. Does he laterally. Does he feign placid fake calm indifference? Does he apathy? Does he abhor this alien hate this stranger invading his invading his realm? Would he kingd
Slide 10: The Five Steps to Plain Language
STEP 1 Identify purpose, audience and key messages STEP 2 Arrange key messages in order of The Five importance Steps to Plain STEP 3 Language Write in plain language STEP 4 Add organizational aids STEP 5 Design the format 10
Slide 11: Step 1: Identify your purpose, audience and key messages
STEP 1 What is the goal? Identify your purpose, Who are the readers? audience and What are the main points? key messages 11
Slide 12: Purpose
Inform Describe Purpose Educate What is the goal? Instruct Explain Request 12
Slide 13: Audience
Patients Physicians Audience Who are the Experts readers? Novices General public 13
Slide 14: Key messages
Here’s what to do Here’s why Key messages What are the main Here’s how points? Here’s when Here’s where 14
Slide 15: Step 2: Arrange key messages in order of importance
Determine the main STEP 2 message Arrange key messages in Consolidate to three or order of four key messages importance Put messages in order, most to least important 15
Slide 16: Step 3: Write in plain language
Addresses the reader directly STEP 3 Clear, concise, and Write in plain friendly language Sounds conversational when read aloud 16
Slide 17: Plain Language
Active voice Friendly tone Plain Language Short paragraphs Simple sentences Familiar words 17
Slide 18: Active voice
An order for your lab work will be placed for you at the outpatient lab. Active voice We will order your lab work at the outpatient lab. 18
Slide 19: Friendly tone
Failure to follow your prescribed exercise regimen may result in slower recovery. Friendly tone You’ll feel better sooner if you do the exercises your doctor gave you! 19
Slide 20: Short paragraphs
Each insurance carrier has different requirements that need to be met prior to approval for surgery. Your insurance may require additional appointments to those listed above. In addition, any one of our providers may require additional visits prior to surgery; this is to ensure you are prepared Shor
Slide 21: Simple sentences
To carry on this work satisfactorily, it is important Simple that we have your complete cooperation with this office. sentences It’s important that you cooperate with us! 21
Slide 22: Familiar words
Reduce your sodium intake to manage hypertension. Cut down on salt to lower Familiar words your blood pressure. Cut down on salt if you have hypertension (high blood pressure). 22
Slide 23: Active voice, friendly tone, short paragraphs
Each insurance carrier has different requirements that need to be met prior to approval for surgery. Your insurance may require additional Active voice appointments to those listed above. In addition, any one of our providers Friendly tone may require additional visits prior to Short paragraphs surg
Slide 24: Step 4: Add organizational aids
Descriptive titles Greetings and closings Headings Q/A format STEP 4 Add Organized in sections organizational Limited number of messages aids Key messages first Instructions in brief ordered steps Footers 24
Slide 25: Instructions
Instructions 41154 10/09/2012 PORTLAND, OR 97225 RE: Legacy Financial Assistanoe Program Account #: Dear Ms. ‘You may qualify for assistance in paying your medical bills. First, we need some information so that we can determine whether we can help you with your bills. Please complete the enclosed ap
Slide 26: Brief introduction
We may be able to help Brief you pay your medical bills. introduction To find out if you qualify, follow these steps: 26
Slide 27: Step-by-step instructions
1. Complete the application. 2. Sign the application. 3. Attach the checked proofs for each household member who is 18 years old or older: _ Last year’s W2 and tax return Step-by-step _ All pages of your last two checking or savings bank statements instructions _ Pay stubs for 3 months _ Other:_____
Slide 28: Brief, Clear, One step at a time
1. Complete the application. 2. Sign the application. Brief 3. Attach the checked proofs for each household member who is Clear 18 years old or older: _ Last year’s W2 and tax return One step at a time _ All pages of your last two checking or savings bank Beginning with an statements action verb _ P
Slide 29: Step 5: Design the format for readability
Font STEP 5 Text size Design the White space format for Line length readability Navigational aids Images 29
Slide 30: Font, Text size, White space
Your insurance may require more appointments before they approve your surgery. Also, our doctor may need to see you before surgery. We want you to be ready—and have the best results! Your insurance may require Font more appointments before they approve your surgery. Text size Also, our doctors may n
Slide 31: Navigational aids
Document Title * Loriti reped ut atur alis eos voles verferu mendam renihil iaspient. Aturis et ut et ute pror molorios aut la quosani milictem disqui illa niae. Adita volupta tionsequid endisci alitasimaio Subhead * Loriti reped ut atur alis eos voles verferu mendam renihil iaspient. Aturis et ut e
Slide 32: Images
Application for fii Health Insurance pied CALIFORNIA Your destination for affordable health insurance, including Medi-Cal See Inside Covered California is the place where individuals and families can : Bet affordable health insurance. With just one application, you'll find out You can get this | Y )
Slide 33: Put It All Together
Put It All Together We want you to be safe here with us at RIO! Your risk of falling is greater in your first few days with us. Here are some things you should know: Why is there a risk of falling at RIO? You just had a major medical event. You may feel weak or off-balance. You're in a new place. Yo
Slide 34: Test it!
Test it! Center for Health Literacy 34
Slide 35: Practice! Practice! Practice!
Practice! Practice! Practice! 35
Slide 36: Thank You
Thank You “Good writing is clear thinking made visible.” ~Ambrose Bierce (1909) 36
Slide 37: Save the date
Save the date To get the latest updates, send an email to: [email protected] 37
Slide 38: For copies of Center for Health Literacy manuals
For copies of one or more of these manuals produced by the Center for Health Literacy, send an email to: [email protected] 38
Maximus — Communications Tune Up Webinar Series (March 2014) on 6ix