Is Your Social Impact Message Getting Lost?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and social impact have become common terms in the business world. From board rooms to product labels, more and more companies are highlighting their CSR initiatives. They want to talk about the role they are playing in shaping society. However, this conversation often gets lost in jargon and technical terms. People outside the industry – and likely some people in it – may not understand the message. If you want people to engage and understand the conversation, use plain language.
Barriers to Communicating
Miscommunication and poor communication are as old as language itself – some 200,000 years. However, from healthcare settings to governments, we have ample evidence, impetus and resources to drive us towards readability. An estimated 20% of people are affected by dyslexia. More than half of the adults in the US have a literacy level below the 6th grade. And research shows that even those comfortable with higher levels prefer easier texts – especially when approaching new concepts. It’s just more enjoyable.
Building Trust
When companies use jargon to discuss their CSR initiatives, they can create a divide between themselves and the audience. Trust matters. General readers find information that is easier to read to be more credible. By using plain language, companies can better connect authentically with their stakeholders. It shows a commitment to talking about social impact in a way that everyone can understand.
The SEO Boost
If you’re communicating your ideas online, readability gives you another boost. Search engines today are more sophisticated than ever. Readability improves your SEO ranking. Google is more likely drive traffic to your content. Thanks to those same sophisticated tools, writing readable content has never been easier. Free readability tools are readily available to help you craft your message. For more specialized jargon, find a plugin or resource in your field.
Using plain language is more inclusive. It’s also about accountability. CSR and social impact initiatives are not just about ticking boxes or fulfilling requirements. They are about making a genuine difference in society. Use plain language to ensure that the impact of these initiatives is communicated accurately and transparently. Ultimately, it’s crucial in showing your commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable world.
