Kate Murphy
Kate can’t decide whether to be appalled or delighted that “irregardless” has been admitted to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
During 15 years as a management consultant, Kate was overexposed to pointless jargon. She now not only recognises it, but she is also immune to any excuses for using it. She is a freelance editor who works mainly with humanitarian clients, and is particularly proud of her work with Translators without Borders.
Kate is a member of PLAIN and CIEP. She’s also a CELTA-qualified English teacher, a side hustle that has given her added insight into the complexities of English and the importance of clear and considered writing. She has a Masters degree in Environmental Law and a keen interest in how environmental and humanitarian issues interact.
A missed opportunity: plain language was not a symptom of the world’s COVID-19 response
Kate Murphy, freelance editor and copywriter and Plain-Language Adviser at Translators without Borders
Plain language can change reader and listener behaviour. So it seemed strange that so few national leaders used it when they first discussed COVID-19. It was equally strange that so few humanitarian organizations used plain language in their COVID-19 responses.
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In this presentation I ponder the value of plain language in a global crisis. I’ll ask how we as practitioners can be more effective advocates for plain language, not only in times of crisis, but in times of calmness too.
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I’ll highlight some of the plain-language issues that have characterised COVID-19 communications and suggest some ways we might be able to support the overworked, under-resourced humanitarian organizations that are trying so hard to provide information for all.