“People hate or fear what they do not understand.”

Dr. Antoinique van Staden is a language practitioner with a passion for writing and editing. Her PhD thesis focused on Plain Language principles for scientific writing. She has presented on the topic of plain language at several conferences since 2018. Besides presenting at conferences, she has also conceptualised and facilitated various workshops. In March 2019, she presented a workshop on plain language writing for scientists in Egypt. Subsequently, the Thai Science Council in Bangkok invited her to present a workshop to emerging scientists in October 2019. In April 2024, she presented an introductory webinar on plain language to the members of the Irish Translators’ and Interpreters’ Association (ITIA). She is continuously working with engineers in various sectors as a mentor to help develop their communications skill. She currently serves on the Communications Committee for the International Plain Language Federation as the chair of the Publications subgroup.

For Antoinique, clear communication and plain language is not just about professional interest, it is a way to help save lives. As the Communications Manager for GARC, Rabies Alliance, she uses her passion for plain language communication strategies to help the organization share lifesaving information about rabies to various stakeholders.

Outside of work, Antoinique writes book reviews for one of South Africa’s oldest magazines, has built her own library at home, and enjoys pottery – although, in her own words, she’s “much better with words than with clay”.