Clear speakers unite: There is hope

The Center for Plain Language, a nonprofit dedicated to helping business executives and government officials write and speak with clarity and purpose, has picked a curious spot to host its first ever reception and dinner to honor the coherent among us: Washington, D.C., land of impenetrable jargon, confusion and all-around gobbledygook.

Nonetheless, Coffee Talk thinks the center is on to something in its efforts to reward the clearest speakers in government and business. Indeed, there are certainly enough of the opposite kind.

The contest, called the ClearMark Awards, specifically seeks nominations for the best use of clear language and the worst use of unclear language. Nominations are open to anyone who has worked on, read or knows of exceptionally clear or unclear language use in federal, state or local government, nonprofits and corporate America.

For more information go to www.centerforplainlanguage.org.