Main message
Can the person quickly understand the most important point?
Queensland Digital Inclusion Festival — Celebrating inclusive communication & digital access for all
Learn more → Learn more →Module 2 activity
Activity: Rewrite One Message
Choose one unclear message and rewrite it so it is clearer, more respectful, and easier to act on. This activity helps turn communication access into a practical skill.
What this activity helps you do
This activity helps you apply Module 2 by improving one real communication example.
You will look at a message, identify what makes it harder to use, and rewrite it in plain language with a respectful tone and a clear next step.
Activity steps
- Choose one message.
Choose an email, form instruction, website paragraph, event notice, appointment message, policy sentence, or service information.
- Find what makes it hard.
Look for jargon, long sentences, too much information, unclear instructions, missing support options, or a tone that feels blaming or rushed.
- Find the main message.
Ask: what does the person need to know first?
- Make the action clear.
Ask: what does the person need to do next, by when, and who can help?
- Rewrite it.
Use plain language, short sentences, respectful tone, and one idea at a time.
- Check access.
Ask whether the message needs Easy Read, captions, transcript, Auslan, AAC, audio, visual steps, or another format.
Rewrite guide
Use these checks while rewriting your message.
Plain words
Can you replace jargon or formal wording with everyday language?
Short sentences
Can you split long sentences into smaller parts?
Clear next step
Does the message say what to do next and who to contact?
Respectful tone
Does the message avoid blame, shame, pressure or patronising language?
Another format
Does the message say people can ask for another format or support?
Example rewrite
| Original | Improved |
|---|---|
| Participants are required to complete all documentation prior to attendance. | Please fill in the form before you come. |
| Failure to comply with the process may result in delayed service provision. | If information is missing, your support may take longer. Contact us if you need help. |
| Requests for alternative formats should be submitted through the appropriate channel. | You can ask for this information in another format. Email founder@edulinked.com.au. |
Plain Language Rewrite Activity
Use this form to rewrite one message. You can also download the worksheet if you prefer to work offline.
Activity resources
Use these resources if you prefer to work offline, print the activity, or use a checklist.
Use: Rewrite Worksheet
Use this worksheet to rewrite one unclear message.
Use: Plain Language Checklist
Use this checklist to review whether your message is clear, respectful and easy to act on.
Review: Module 2 content
Go back to the content page if you want to review plain language, respectful tone and different formats.
Review Module 2 contentRead: Communication diversity
Use this resource to think about different ways people communicate.
Open readingAsk for another format
You can ask for this activity or any resource in another format.
Email: founder@edulinked.com.au
Bring this to the workshop
Your rewritten message can help you choose a communication action to discuss during the Future Ready workshop.
Workshop informationEasy Read activity
Rewrite One Message
This activity helps you make one message easier to understand.
Plain language means clear words and clear next steps.
Choose one message
Choose one message to look at.
It could be an email, form, website, letter, text message or notice.
Ask what makes it hard
Ask:
- Are the words too hard?
- Are the sentences too long?
- Is there too much information?
- Is the next step unclear?
- Is the tone respectful?
Rewrite the message
Use clear words.
Use short sentences.
Say what to do next.
Say how to ask for help.
Think about another format
Some people need information in another way.
This could include Easy Read, captions, transcript, Auslan, AAC, audio or visual steps.
You can ask for support
You can ask for this activity in another format.
You can also ask for support to take part.
Email:
Next step
After you complete this activity, continue to Module 3 or bring your rewritten message to the workshop.