Clear communication in planning, design, and environmental scholarship

Socio-ecological practitioners and researchers alike need to communicate clearly in writing to be effective. However, there are many examples of bad writing in both practice and academia that hinder communication, obscure meaning, and reduce accessibility. Five problem areas are identified: over reliance on planning jargon, the use (often incorrectly) of unnecessarily complex language, poor English, disciplinary frictions, and the adoption or application of terms inaccurately. The paper examines how these issues emerge across professional and academic contexts and offers practical recommendations for improving clarity, precision, and readability. Examples of effective writing guides and strategies are also discussed to support stronger communication across disciplines and audiences.