What first inspired you to get involved with plain language?

Plain language has been a useful philosophy to have on my side when teaching non-native writers of English at the United Nations. Reputable bodies including the Plain English Campaign in the UK, the federal government in the US and the European Commission reinforced my case for short sentences, short words and the I and we perspective – amongst other features. I developed customised online and in-person courses for my students daring them to forsake long-winded bureaucratic language. They and their supervisors could then see for themselves how much clearer the resulting communications were.

How did you become a plain language ambassador?

I have a background in French-to-English legal translation, plus my teaching years at the United Nations. I’ve also done a lot of writing and editing work. Plain language is relevant to all of this. Because of funding cuts to the United Nations, I took early retirement at the beginning of 2026 and created my consultancy, The Power of Plain. The plain language standard is relevant to both public and private sector entities in Switzerland and I intend to continue raising awareness of this.

Why is plain language important to you personally or professionally?

It’s very important to me both personally and professionally. Communicating clearly is essential to business and to academia, but also to democracy and peace.

Can you describe a project where plain language made a real difference?

The two contexts in which I have trained the most students in the past 10 years are public health (WHO) and the coordination of humanitarian affairs (OCHA). Both these sectors operate under intense pressure and giving my students the confidence to communicate clearly and effectively with fewer words and greater impact has been immensely satisfying.

What’s your process for simplifying a complex text?

I believe in writer autonomy. I help my students to select the right tools for their personal box and then use them effectively. I warn against abdicating the ownership of one’s writing to Artificial Intelligence. It’s important to keep one’s voice. I also apply this approach to my own written production.