As “That's Clear!” enters its piloting phase, project partners are testing resources developed or adapted using plain language directly with young people. This is an opportunity to explore how clear communication can make a real difference in their experiences, starting with something as simple as the way we invite them to participate.
When communication becomes a barrier
Imagine a young person discovering an opportunity that could change their life: an international youth exchange, a training course, a volunteering experience or a local workshop.
They are interested, but the announcement is full of unfamiliar terms, complicated instructions and formal expressions. They read it once, then twice. They are still unsure whether they can participate, what is expected of them or how to apply.
What happens next? They might ask for clarification. But they might also close the page and move on.
Sometimes, exclusion begins long before someone reaches the door. It begins with the words we use to invite them in.
Clear language is more than simple writing
When we talk about plain language, we often think about shorter sentences, familiar words and well-organised information. These are important elements, but their impact goes far beyond readability.
Clear communication can make people feel more confident, independent and welcome.
For young people, especially those who have experienced difficulties in education, language barriers or limited access to opportunities, understanding information is closely connected to feeling able to participate.
A confusing message can create uncertainty: “Is this opportunity really for me? Am I qualified enough? Will I understand what I am supposed to do?”
A clear message, on the other hand, can communicate something powerful: “You are welcome here. You can understand this. You can take part.”
From complicated information to meaningful invitations
Consider a typical announcement from a youth organisation:
“Interested applicants are required to complete the registration procedure by the indicated deadline. Participation is subject to eligibility criteria, and selected candidates will be notified accordingly.”
Although technically correct, this message leaves several questions unanswered. Who can apply? What should they do? When will they receive an answer?
Now imagine a different approach:
“Would you like to join our next youth workshop? If you are between 18 and 25 years old, you can apply! Fill in the online form by 15 November. We will contact you by 20 November to let you know if you have been selected.”
The information has not become less professional or less accurate. It has simply become easier to understand and act upon.
This is one of the most important principles of plain language: clarity does not mean removing information. It means making information work for the people who need it.
Young people are not just an audience
There is another important question worth asking: who decides whether a message is clear?
Professionals may believe that their communication is accessible because they have avoided technical language or simplified a few sentences. But what seems obvious to someone working in youth services may be unfamiliar to a young person encountering those services for the first time.
For this reason, involving young people in the communication process can make a real difference.
Instead of simply asking them to read a finished announcement, organisations can invite them to help create it. Young people can review social media posts, test registration forms, suggest clearer wording or identify information that is missing.
They might notice that an acronym is confusing, that an application form asks unnecessary questions or that the most important information is hidden at the bottom of a long paragraph.
This approach changes the relationship between organisations and their audiences. Young people are no longer passive recipients of information: they become active contributors to making communication more inclusive.
And this is particularly relevant to “That's Clear!”, which encourages youth organisations and professionals to rethink their communication practices and make them more accessible.
Creating a culture where asking questions is welcome
Even the clearest message cannot anticipate every question.
Inclusive communication also depends on how organisations respond when someone does not understand.
Do young people feel comfortable asking for clarification? Are staff members willing to explain information differently? Can someone request help without feeling embarrassed or judged?
Creating a welcoming communication environment means recognising that understanding is a shared responsibility.
It is not the young person's responsibility alone to decode complicated information. Organisations also have a responsibility to make their messages understandable and provide opportunities for questions and dialogue.
This can start with small changes: replacing formal instructions with direct explanations, offering different ways to contact the organisation or simply adding a sentence such as “Not sure how to apply? Send us a message. We are happy to help!”
Every invitation is an opportunity for inclusion
Youth work is built on the idea of creating opportunities for participation, learning and personal growth. But these opportunities can only reach their full potential when young people know they exist, understand how to access them and feel confident enough to take the first step.
Plain language is not just a writing technique. It is a practical way to reduce barriers, build trust and make participation more accessible.
The next time we prepare an invitation, a social media post or an application form, perhaps we should ask ourselves one simple question:
If I were discovering this opportunity for the first time, would these words make me feel ready to take part?
Because sometimes, making communication more inclusive starts with something as simple as making an invitation easier to understand.