The phrase "plain speech" is spelled /pleɪn spiːtʃ/. The first part of the word, "plain," is pronounced with a long "a" sound, /pleɪn/. The second part, "speech," starts with the consonant cluster "sp" and is pronounced with a long "e" sound, /spiːtʃ/. The word "plain" means simple or straightforward, while "speech" refers to the act of speaking or a formal address. Together, "plain speech" means an honest or direct way of communicating.
Plain speech refers to the use of simple and uncomplicated language in communication, without the inclusion of excessive jargon, convoluted expressions, or unnecessarily complex terminology. It embodies the act of expressing oneself in a straightforward manner, conveying ideas and thoughts clearly and concisely to promote understanding and clarity.
In plain speech, individuals strive to use words and phrases that can be easily comprehended by the average listener or reader, without causing confusion or leading to misinterpretation. This form of communication is particularly valued in contexts where information needs to be effectively disseminated to a diverse audience or in situations that require brevity and simplicity.
Plain speech is often characterized by its avoidance of technical jargon, obscure references, or overly complex syntax. Instead, it relies on familiar words, commonly understood idiomatic expressions, and concise sentence structures. The purpose of plain speech is to foster comprehension, enhance accessibility, and promote effective communication.
While the use of plain speech does not necessarily imply a lack of sophistication or depth of knowledge, it emphasizes the importance of clear and unambiguous communication, devoid of unnecessary complexity. By employing plain speech, individuals and organizations can ensure that their messages are accessible and easily understood by a wide range of people, facilitating meaningful dialogue and effective information exchange.
The etymology of the phrase "plain speech" can be traced back to Middle English and Old French.
The word "plain" comes from the Old French word "plain" meaning "flat, level, smooth", which gradually evolved from the Latin word "planus" with the same meaning. "Planus" also gave rise to the English word "plain" meaning "clear, evident, simple" as well as "open land, a region not covered by forest".
The word "speech" comes from the Middle English word "speche" which directly came from Old English "spǣċ" meaning "talk, discourse, a form of expression". This Old English word can be linked back to the Proto-Germanic word "sprēkiją" meaning "to speak" or "to utter".