
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
More episodes of Grammar Girl
- Stray Russian words and made-up style rules, with Daniel Heuman and Chris Ryder · September 10, 2026 · 25 min
- Who's a good boy? The science behind 'dog voice.' Is it 'bated breath' or 'baited breath'? · September 8, 2026 · 11 min
- How we got from no spaces between words to the interrobang, with Florence Hazrat · September 3, 2026 · 28 min
- Why do so many last names sound like jobs? · September 1, 2026 · 10 min
- Explosions, chemistry, and dictionary 'spite,' with Kory Stamper · August 27, 2026 · 21 min
- It's Greek to me: Why is the language of 'The Odyssey' shorthand for all that we don’t understand? · August 25, 2026 · 11 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Grammar Girl podcast page.