Plain Language: Assessing Readability & Writing for Understanding

This workshop helps participants write in ways readers can understand. Helen Osborne raises awareness about health literacy problems and then teaches plain language solutions.

Her presentation is filled with practical how-to information that participants can use right away. Participants not only learn what to do but also have opportunity to practice. Helen will use an organization's materials when working with just one group, or generic examples when speaking at a conference or association meeting. This workshop can be adapted for audiences of all sizes and levels of familiarity with health literacy.

This presentation works well as a half- or full-day workshop. Organizations often request an additional day for Helen to consult about their specific materials. A follow-up conference call is recommended for participants to discuss their implementation of lessons learned. 

Topics include:

  • Challenges communicating health information
  • Ways to assessing readability - myths, realities, and tools
  • Plain language strategies - organization, word choice, sentence structure, format,  layout, and tone
  • How to test materials and measure understanding
  • Putting plain language into YOUR practice

Helen Osborne is an expert who speaks professionally. She is long-time member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and a board member of NSA's chapter in New England. Helen is an experienced and dynamic speaker who makes health literacy concepts come alive with stories, pictures, examples, and humor. She not only teaches lots of how-to information but also inspires audiences to make a long-lasting health literacy difference.

Helen takes the time to learn what makes each audience special. She will: 

  • Tailor presentations to your format. Whether you are looking for a 1-hour keynote, half- or full-day workshop, panel presentation, or round-table discussion, Helen will adapt her presentation to meet your needs. Groups often combine formats such as a keynote followed by a workshop, or a workshop followed by a round-table discussion.
  • Focus on your specific needs. Helen takes the time to learn about you and your organization. This way, she can tailor presentations to meet your specific learning needs. Helen does this by asking groups to complete a Pre-Program Questionnaire (PPQ) and then talking with 2 - 3 people likely to attend. 
  • Provide a master copy of her handout. Helen's handouts are much more than just a collection of slides. Her handouts are filled with valuable information that participants can, and do, refer to long after Helen's presentations end.
  • Offer, or help arrange for, discounts when purchasing multiple copies of her books: Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message; Health Literacy Handbook: The Event Planning Guide for Health Literacy Advocates; Podcasting Guide: A Little About Technology, A Lot About Getting Started With Audio Interviews. 
  • Work with you to obtain continuing education credits. This includes providing a timed agenda with specific behavioral objectives, along with Helen's CV.
  • Help promote your event. Helen will gladly review your marketing materials and be available for radio and television interviews.
  • Follow-up and offer ongoing support. Helen not only introduces ideas and skills but also helps participants implement what they learned. One way she does this is with a a complementary follow-up conference call for workshop attendees. 

"Your presentation yesterday was very enlightening. I discovered that after many years of thinking about how to put as much information into a sentence as possible, I really have to rethink my writing strategy and try to deconstruct it a little bit!" Jennifer Hinkel, Immunization Policy Analyst, Association of State & Territorial Health Officials

To learn more and schedule a presentation, email Helen Osborne at Helen@healthliteracy.com or call 508-653-1199.