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New “Train-the-trainer” course for clear language advocates
“The positive response to the new CLC clear language course Train-the-trainer: Clear language and design shows that it is meeting an important need,” emphasizes Tamara Levine, CLC Literacy Coordinator. “Since the labour movement relies so heavily on the written word to communicate with our members, it’s important that they are able to understand and defend their rights,” she adds.
The Train-the-trainer course, piloted at the CLC Ontario Winter School in 2005 and delivered in BC in 2006, trains facilitators for the CLC 9-hour module Say what you mean: clear language is a union issue. Participants generally have previous experience or training in group facilitation and some background in clear language. They are sponsored by their organization with a plan to co-facilitate Say what you mean through their union, federation of labour or labour council.
Invasion of the Space Lobsters
This 6-minute animated film presents a lighthearted approach to clear communications by weaving “a thoroughly madcap animated parable pitting the virtues of clear language and good communication against bafflegab evil-doers”. Giant lobsters who land on earth show the need for clear communication by highlighting the problems that the space lobsters have communicating with earthlings.
The film was launched at the Plain Language International Conference in Washington, D.C. in November, 2005. There was a great response to the film from conference delegates, clear language experts from several countries. Here is what some of them said: “I loved the film… it’s flexible for different audiences and leads to fantastic discussion.” Susan Milne, Chair, Plain Language International, Waterloo, Ontario. “This delightfully funny short film brings the issue of clear language right into your own backyard.” Sally McBeth, Manager, Clear Language and Design, Toronto. “The film was the highlight of the PLAIN International conference for me… clever, brilliant.” William DuBay, Readability Consultant, Costa Mesa, California
“I can’t wait to use this humourous lobster appetizer in the next Clear Language training with the Labour Council! ”
The film, available in English and French, can be used in education programs, staff training sessions, meetings and conferences to promote awareness of the value of clear language in the labour movement and beyond. The CLC is currently preparing a discussion guide to go with the film.
CLC affiliates can purchase the film in DVD or VHS format at the special union price of $12 from the NFB at 1-800-267-7710 or at www.nfb.ca.
