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.

We invite users to contribute suggestions or ask questions so we can learn from your feedback!

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

While Way With Words includes specific rules for grammar, usage, and construction, 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 guidelines default to the Chicago Manual of Style, but Way With Words rules take precedence when contradictions arise.

Can't find a topic or have a suggestion for additions to Way with Words? Don't hesitate to ask the Publications, Graphics, and Web Development Section!

---

What's New?

For those who are familiar with the previous style guide, the updated version seems like a radical departure from it.

However, the updated style guide reflects the reality that many basic spelling and grammar mistakes can be caught by software programs. The new emphasis is on better serving the public by providing information so that all residents can more easily find, understand, and use it.

Plain Language

Public-facing Planning Department Documents will follow plain language standards similar to those set out in the federal government's Plain Writing Act of 2010, which requires federal agencies to use clear communication in public-facing documents.

The state of Maryland already has enacted plain language legislation related to health, insurance, safety, and social services public information that follow the federal plain language guidelines.

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

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 staff time spent on clarifying information; and
• improves compliance.

Plain Language Myths

• Plain language "dumbs down" written communication.
• Plain language is imprecise.
• All it does is add a bunch of bullet points and change subheadings to questions.

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

Time and attention spans are short and better serving the public requires our written communication to adapt.

Source: plainlanguage.gov