Clear communication creates connections

Simplified, the brainchild of a lawyer and a communications professional, helps large organisations to communicate in a way that is relevant, interesting and compelling. We believe that clear communication can create connections.

We provide plain-language consulting and writing services; we train professionals to write better; and we raise awareness about the importance of clear communication in business.

We have offices in South Africa and the UK and clients from around the world. We were founded in 2005, so we have an impressive track record.

About our expertise in clear communication

1. We focus on financial services

Clear communication is especially important in insurance and investments, where products are complex and often undifferentiated. We have consulted to and trained global financial services companies, for example, Discovery, Old Mutual Group, Zurich, Alexander Forbes, Allan Gray, and Ernst & Young.

2. We focus on the benefits of clear communication in business

Simpler communications lead to business benefits, from reducing obstacles to buying a service to attracting new clients and building brand loyalty. They also may reduce queries and lower costs. At the start of every programme, we identify business goals so that the results of our work can be measured.

3. We incorporate the requirements of new legislation

Recent laws and regulations make transparency an obligatory part of any organisation’s communications. We craft communications for different levels of readers while ensuring that content remains inclusive and transparent.

We work with you to assess your communications according to legal or compliance requirements, and make any required changes.

4. We believe design is as important as the words

Poorly designed documents intimidate or bore readers. We appreciate that information design is crucial to clarity. We design information to help readers to engage with the content and to easily find the information that is relevant to them.

5. We test what we write

The only way to know if readers can use the document for its intended purpose is to ask them. User testing helps you to understand your consumers and better meet their needs through qualitative feedback.

Our services in clear communication

Simplification and content strategy

We identify the most effective ways of using simplified communications to engage with your readers and achieve your business goals.

Audits of fairness and clarity

We work with organisations to set up criteria to assess fairness and clarity of communications, from correspondence and website content to terms and conditions. The results of our audits lead to both quick-wins and longer-term improvements.

User and usability testing

We test documents with the people who will use them and get their feedback first-hand.

Editorial guides

We write customised style and terminology guides to help organisations use plain-language principles and express their brand through their writing.

Training

We train organisations how to write contracts, policies, text messages, emails, letters, reports and proposals.

Writing and design

We apply our rich understanding of plain language, tone and information design to develop content that is precise, concise and inviting.