Although Finns have the highest literacy rate in the world, research reveals that as many as 500 000 Finnish adults are in the two lowest levels of literacy on a five-point scale. People with poor reading skills risk falling further behind in society; participating as a citizen, or even applying for social benefits, requires the ability to read instructions and complete forms. Facing such barriers, a poor reader can miss the opportunity to apply for aid that would help break through the barrier of marginalization. What’s the solution? Both poor readers and competent ones can benefit from the use of plain language in the public sector. Indeed, important public issues should be communicated through plain language efforts. The first step in making a public document truly public is to make it more inviting to the reader; a lower threshold for comprehension improves the experience for the average citizen. A short document is easier to understand than a lengthy one; familiar words foster understand and create inclusion; clear images illustrate and support the core content. For more detailed help with plain language, see this vocabulary and a useful 5-step checklist. Don’t be shy; simple language never hurt anyone.