​The Foundations and Processes of Clear Communication by Cheryl Stephens
 
Dive into the captivating world of clear communication with Cheryl Stephens' insightful book. If you have ever pondered the significance of effective communication, this gem is a must-read that will enlighten and inspire you.
 
A Personal Touch: Stephens, drawing from her rich experience brings a unique perspective to the subject. Her background adds depth and authenticity to the content, making it relatable and engaging for readers from various backgrounds.
 
Illuminate the Path: Through vivid examples of both successful and flawed communication, Cheryl Stephens skillfully navigates the intricacies of effective communication processes. Readers learn the importance of clarity but are also equipped with practical strategies to enhance their own communication skills.
 
Cheryl Stephens defines clear communication as communication that aligns the needs of the intended audience with those of the writer. This definition emphasizes the importance of making sure the message is easily understood by the recipients, reflecting a harmonious balance between the sender's intentions and the audience's understanding.

Final Verdict: This book is a beacon for anyone seeking to master the art of clear communication. Cheryl Stephens' knowledge shines through every page, making this a valuable resource for professionals, students, and anyone eager to elevate their communication prowess.

Foundations and Practices of Clear Communication 

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Contents:
The case for plain language
Readability and the reading brain
Writing for the reader
Defining the communication need
Designing the project
Focusing on the reading audience
Understanding the writing process 
Preparing to write 
Writing your content  
Writing in plain language    
Revision and testing  

The latest book reviews

The Foundations and Processes of Clear Communication
Book review by Nicole Watkins-Campbell
Plain Language Association International
ejournal Volume 7 No. 1 2025
 
As a young lawyer, Cheryl Stephens advocated for plain language communication as supporting democracy (“You can’t fight for rights you don’t know you have,” she once said to me). This book shares her long experience and research into the brain science behind plain language.
The Foundations and Processes of Clear Communication combines the case for plain language, its principles, and the science with advice on working through the design, writing, and testing processes. If you are new to the field, all of it will guide you. If you are experienced, the information on the science of reading will offer useful insights.
Case studies since the 1970s confirm that plain language is easier for readers to understand, and organizations save time and money as a result. Studies of the brain during reading also demonstrate the benefits of using plain language principles.
The author offers a framework for creating structures that support the purpose of your writing and a list of structures for various writing purposes.
As Jordan Smith, communications professor at Algonquin College in Canada, says, “The responsibility of a writer to produce reader-friendly documents extends to layout, design, and organizational elements surrounding the words themselves.” Stephens’s advice throughout the book is based on her years as a plain language writer, editor, and advocate and on her wide-ranging reading and research.

She supports her advice with quotes from experts on many related topics, like Steve Jobs: “[Design] …is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
From proposing a plain language project, to determining project needs and resources, to a thorough discussion of communication purposes and managing yourself during the work, this book covers a lot of ground.
The Foundations and Processes of Plain Language is available from the https://www.lulu.com/shop/cheryl-stephens/the-foundations-and-processes-of-clear-communication/ebook/product-45yj85y.html.
 
Also, listen to this podcast: https://www.academia.edu/ai_podcast/50313063

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Katharine MacManus is an expert in writing studies an plain language concerns who continues to teach in her retirement.. She established the first college-level certificate program in plain language at Simon Fraser University where she was the Program DirectorProgram Director Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies. She is the principle at The Writer's Process. Her specialities are: project management, instructional design, program development, clear communication.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mcmanus-1159254/
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As more and more organizations and people around the world understand the value of plain language and clear communication, Cheryl Stephens' new book, The Foundations and Processes of Clear Communication, is a must-read.

In this new book, Cheryl Stephens reinforces the many reasons to use plain language and gives us the vocabulary to advocate for clear writing. By diving into understanding how the brain processes information, she also provides a compelling rationale for communicating clearly.
 
Cheryl Stephens' book is clear, easy to read, and filled with powerful examples. She also assembles a list of great references that enhance her work. This book is an important companion to her essential guide, Plain Language in Plain English.

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Chantale Audet is a medical anthropologist. She is the co-founder of Autrement dit, a plain language consultancy  based in Quebec, Canada. She specializes in writing, rewriting, and organizing documents so that they are in plain language, and she trains individuals and teams to apply plain language to their work. She previously worked in public health, where she was editor-in-chief of a baby guide called From Tiny Tot to Toddler.
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Sondra Schloss
 

Sondra Schloss lives in Vancouver where she taught ESL to diverse learners from 58 countries. She had worked in journalism in Montreal and New York.

​Ms. Schloss graduated from McGill University and Columbia University. She also holds graduate diplomas in language difficulties from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and in phonetics from the University of British Columbia.
 PictureAllen H. Soroka, https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-soroka-a7a5b610/
Allen H Soroka
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During my university days, my blue exam book boldly declared, "Clear diction equals clear thought," stressing the vital link between precise expression and coherent ideas. Cheryl Stephens' 2023 masterpiece, "The Foundations and Processes of Clear Communication," serves as a definitive roadmap to mastering this crucial skill - the hallmark of effective communication.

Who Should Read This Book:
In eleven chapters, Stephens unpacks the essentials of crisp, transparent writing. This book is a must-read for:
- Writers and editors striving for clarity in their work
- Business communicators aiming to convey information effectively
- Students honing their communication skills

Clear Instructions:
Stephens expertly guides readers on using plain language in academic and professional settings, emphasizing the impact of how others perceive your ideas. Through rich examples, she illustrates both successful and failed attempts at clarity.

Valuable Insights:
Exploring topics like "Readability and the reading brain" and "Writing for the reader," Stephens delves into the cognitive and neuroscience foundations of clear communication. Her central theme revolves around using plain language to fulfill communication goals.

Get Your Hands on This Gem:
This book is not just a manual for clear writing but a testament to the power of clarity in making your thoughts accessible and persuasive. Whether you're crafting an essay, drafting a contract, or composing a business letter, Cheryl Stephens' book will be your guiding light, ensuring your ideas resonate with your audience.