How can we balance plain language with technical accuracy in complex fields?

Question

How can we balance plain language with technical accuracy, especially for industries like healthcare, finance, or government?

Answer

A good strategy is to define technical terms in an accessible way, whether that’s within the text or through a glossary. Another approach is to pair the full technical document with a plain language summary that highlights the main points. This way, the material is still accurate but also more approachable for a wider audience.

It’s also important to consider who you’re writing for. A highly technical audience may be fine with complex terms as long as they can reference a glossary, while public-facing content should lean more heavily on plain language. The balance comes from matching the level of detail to the needs of your readers.

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