Welcome

The Publications, Graphics, and Web Development Section has updated the Planning Department’s Way With Words style guide into a dynamic, collaborative tool for all staff.

The update ensures Planning Department documents and materials are consistent, accessible, and clear, emphasizing plain language in public-facing documents to facilitate public engagement with the Prince George’s County planning process.

Way With Words includes specific rules for grammar, usage, and construction, but we recognize the nuanced nature of quality writing. When in doubt about a rule's applicability, consider whether it enhances clarity and conciseness for your audience.

Note: Rules not found in Way With Words default to the Chicago Manual of Style. But Way With Words rules take precedence in case of contradictions.

If you are new to working with the Publications Section, learn about the process for collaborating with us on your project.

Do you have questions about a rule or a suggestion for additions to Way With Words? We invite users to make suggestions so we can learn from your feedback!

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What's New?

If you are familiar with the previous style guide, the updated version may seem like a radical departure.

However, since software programs can now catch many spelling and grammar mistakes, the emphasis is on better serving the public by providing, to the extent possible, information in plain language that all County residents can easily find, understand, and use.

This section will highlight substantive edits and additions to Way With Words as it evolves.

Plain Language

The use of plain language is not appropriate in all circumstances.

Certain documents are governed by legal, regulatory, or policy requirements that necessitate the use of technical, formal, or specialized language. in such cases, accuracy, legal precision, and compliance must take precedence.

However, for publicly available documents that Prince George's county residents rely on for information, plain language should be used to the extent possible while maintaining both accuracy and legal/policy integrity.

These documents should follow plain language principles based on the Plain Writing Act of 2010, which requires federal agencies to communicate clearly in public-facing documents. You can find the plain language guidelines and other resources here.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore started the Plain Language Initiative on July 23, 2024 (Executive Order 01.01.2024.25). It will roll out requirements and training for the government to implement the use of plain language in public-facing documents, websites, and other communications.

The goal of using plain language guidelines is to enhance the clarity of Planning Department external documents, ensuring that the public can easily find, understand, and act on the information we provide.

Why Should the Planning Department Use Plain Language?

Using plain language is crucial for the Planning Department because it:

• demonstrates our commitment to the public,
• communicates more effectively,
• reduces resources spent on clarifying information, and
• improves compliance. (See the M-NCPPC Office of General Counsel memo dated February 20, 2025, on Americans with Disabilities Act web accessibility guidelines.)

Plain Language Myths

• Plain language "dumbs down" written communication.
• Plain language is imprecise.
• Plain language only adds bullet points, white space, and subheadings.

Effective plain language is neither imprecise nor does it eliminate the technical information necessary to understand the subject.

Time and attention spans are short; we must adapt to better serve the public.

Source: plainlanguage.gov