Communicating effectively – especially in simple, inclusive English – is not about ‘dumbing down’ research. It’s about removing unnecessary barriers so that knowledge can travel across disciplines, languages, and geographies, and genuinely serve people who need it most. You already know this – that’s why you’re here! 

We came across a great guide recently that offers practical advice on how to make your writing not just clear, but also inclusive and impactful. The U4 Style Guide has been written to support staff and contributors of the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, but it has a wider application. U4 is a permanent centre housed at the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) in Norway. For the past twenty years, it has generated independent research on how corruption threatens development.  

The style guide provides direction on everything from tone and readability to citation and terminology. However, it also goes further, tackling issues like avoiding colonial framings, using gender-sensitive language, and keeping text accessible for diverse audiences.

Although tailored to U4, this guide has much wider relevance. Researchers, editors, and communicators across development and governance fields will find its emphasis on plain language, clarity, and equity especially valuable. Whether you’re polishing a policy brief, preparing an academic article, or drafting communications for practice-based audiences, the guide shows how to write with both precision and inclusivity.

Writing clearly and simply is essential if you want your research findings to go beyond abstract concepts to become tools for change. English dominates global research, but it is often a second, third, or even fourth language for many audiences. Writing clearly shows respect for diverse linguistic backgrounds and ensures that those communities are not marginalised from global knowledge exchange.

If you’re looking for a resource that combines technical guidance with principles for responsible communication, the U4 Style Guide is well worth a read.