The case for language clarity, with Iva Cheung

The case for language clarity, with Iva Cheung

From Grammar Girl by QuickAndDirtyTips.com

June 4, 2026 · 29 min · Episode 1191

About this episode

This episode features an interview with Iva Cheung, a plain language expert, discussing the importance of language clarity in various fields and the principles behind effective communication.

1191. This week, we talk to Iva Cheung, a plain language expert and editor who has helped shape Canada's accessibility standards. We look at what plain language actually means (it's more than just short words and simple sentences) and why it matters for healthcare, legal rights, and everyday communication. Then we explore cognitive load theory, the expertise reversal effect, and why user testing is the secret ingredient most writers skip. Find more from Iva at IvaCheung.com . 🔗  Join the Grammar Girl Patreon. 🔗  Share your familect recording in  Speakpipe  or by leaving a voicemail at 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475) 🔗  Watch my  LinkedIn Learning writing courses . 🔗  Subscribe to the  newsletter . 🔗  Take  our advertising survey . 🔗  Get the edited  transcript here . 🔗  Get  Grammar Girl books . | HOST: Mignon Fogarty | Grammar Girl is part of  the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network . Audio Engineer: Dan Feierabend Director of Podcast: Holly Hutchings Advertising Operations Specialist: Morgan Christianson Marketing and Video: Nat Hoopes, Rebekah Sebastian Podcast Associate: Maram Elnagheeb | Theme…

People in this episode

Host: Mignon Fogarty

Guest: Iva Cheung

Topics covered

  • language clarity
  • plain language
  • cognitive load theory
  • user testing
  • healthcare communication
  • legal rights

Keywords

  • plain language
  • cognitive load theory
  • user testing
  • healthcare
  • legal rights
  • communication
  • expertise reversal effect

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: QuickAndDirtyTips.com, IvaCheung.com, Grammar Girl, LinkedIn Learning, Acast

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