Writing Example: Request for Identity Verification (DE 1326CD)

Before

DE 1326CD Before.jpg

After

Key Plain Language Strategies

This version uses blue text and numbers to highlight the following strategies.

  1. Shares the letter’s purpose and call to action in the main heading.
  2. Starts by stating why you contact them. Bulleted lists help details pop.
  3. Expresses a helpful tone with “we” and “you” and words like, “we can help you.”
  4. Uses headers to transition between sections, show topics, and create white space. Aligns with main heading’s action step language.
  5. Softens the warning tone to sound less threatening.
  6. Turns embedded, italicized action steps into bulleted points.

DE 1326CD After.jpg