Want your message to connect with a global audience? Here’s how to write clearly across languages:

1. Write Simply: Use short sentences, avoid jargon, and keep paragraphs brief.
2. Avoid Idioms: Replace phrases like "raining cats and dogs" with universal terms like "raining heavily."
3. Be Consistent: Stick to the same terms and create a glossary for clarity.
4. Use Visuals: Add simple symbols, clear graphics, and readable designs.
5. Leverage Tools: Use AI tools for translation, rephrasing, and improving text.

These steps save time, reduce errors, and ensure your message is understood by everyone, no matter their language. Keep it simple, clear, and consistent!

How to Approach Technical Writing for a Global Audience

1. Write Simply and Directly

Clear and straightforward writing is key when communicating globally. Let’s look at some tips to make your writing easier to understand.

Keep Sentences Short

Shorter sentences help break down complex ideas, especially for non-native readers. Stick to one idea per sentence. Here’s an example:

❌ "Our company’s new software platform, which was developed over the course of six months with input from various stakeholders including our international partners, features an innovative user interface that simplifies the process of data analysis."

✅ "Our new software platform has an innovative user interface. It simplifies data analysis. We developed it over six months with help from our international partners."

Avoid Technical Terms

Replace jargon with simpler words unless absolutely necessary. Here’s a quick guide:

If you must use technical terms, explain them briefly. For example, instead of "The API endpoint requires authentication", you can say, "The connection point (API) needs a password to work."

Use Short Paragraphs

Big blocks of text can overwhelm readers. Start with the main idea, keep paragraphs to 2–3 sentences, and space them out for easier reading.

For extra help, tools like BeLikeNative can simplify complex sentences and improve clarity across different languages.

2. Remove Idioms and Local References

Why Idioms Can Be Problematic

Idioms often make sense to native speakers but can confuse or lose meaning when translated literally. For instance, "it’s raining cats and dogs" might be clear to English speakers, but a direct translation could baffle readers from other cultures.

When writing for a global audience, avoid these types of expressions:

Replacing Idioms Effectively

To replace idioms and ensure clarity, follow these steps:

1. Identify the core meaning of the idiom.
2. Rewrite it in straightforward, universal language.
3. Check for clarity using online tools or readability checkers.
4. Test the revised text with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

Tools like BeLikeNative’s rephrasing feature can help identify and simplify idiomatic expressions across various languages. Adjusting idioms and local references ensures your message is clear to everyone.

Managing Local References

For global communication, consider these adjustments:

• Regional events: Instead of mentioning specific holidays or events, use general seasonal or time indicators.
• Geographic landmarks: Add context or refer to widely recognized locations.
• Cultural institutions: Provide brief explanations or use broader terms.
• Local measurements: Convert values into globally recognized units.

Additionally, use clear date formats (e.g., March 7, 2025) and specify time zones to avoid confusion. Writing tools that allow you to choose different languages, tones, and styles can further improve clarity for a global audience.

sbb-itb-32359dc

3. Use the Same Terms Throughout

Keeping terminology consistent is crucial for clear communication. Here’s how you can create and maintain uniform terms across different languages.

Build a Word List

An effective word list should include the following components:

Focus on terms that:

• Are frequently used in your content.
• Have multiple possible translations.
• Represent key concepts or features.
• Might cause confusion if inconsistently translated.

Once you’ve identified these terms, specialized software can help you maintain and enforce this consistency.

Use Term Management Software

Term management software is a powerful tool for ensuring consistent terminology. It helps avoid errors and saves time. When choosing software, look for these features:

• Multi-language Support: Ensure the software supports all the languages you need. For instance, BeLikeNative supports over 80 languages.
• Integration Capabilities: Opt for tools that work seamlessly with your existing setup, offering features like clipboard integration and keyboard shortcuts.
• Customization Options: Choose software that lets you set preferred terms, adjust language settings, define tone and style preferences, and create custom shortcuts.

Pricing for these tools varies, with plans typically ranging from $4 to $28 per month. Higher tiers may include more advanced features. Pick a plan that matches your team’s needs and content requirements.

4. Add Clear Visual Elements

Visuals can break down language barriers and make your message more understandable. Just like simple language makes text easier to follow, well-thought-out visuals can strengthen your message for a global audience.

Use Universal Symbols

Stick to symbols that are easy to recognize, like arrows for navigation, check marks for actions, or exclamation points for warnings. Avoid symbols that rely on specific cultural meanings or imagery that could confuse some viewers.

Design Simple and Effective Graphics

A clean layout and clear visual flow are key. Use colors and designs that are easy to interpret worldwide. Here are some tips:

• Keep it simple: Focus only on what’s necessary. For example, a basic flowchart with clear arrows is often more effective than an overly detailed infographic.
• Highlight important elements: Use size, weight, or contrasting colors to draw attention to key points.
• Choose colors wisely: Stick to high-contrast palettes that are easily understood across cultures and improve readability.

These steps help make your visuals clear and accessible to all audiences.

Ensure Visuals Work Across Cultures and Devices

• Stay neutral: Avoid visuals that might have different meanings in different cultures.
• Optimize for all devices: Use scalable vector graphics (SVGs) so visuals look sharp on any screen size.
• Add alt text: Provide descriptive alt text for images, and include detailed descriptions for complex visuals like charts to make them accessible for everyone.

5. Use Writing Tools

Modern writing tools make multilingual communication easier and more efficient. They help improve the quality of your content while saving time and effort.

AI Writing Assistants

AI-powered writing tools are a game-changer for creating multilingual content. They can refine your text and ensure consistency across different languages. Platforms like BeLikeNative offer features for rephrasing, translating, and improving text in multiple languages.

Look for these features when choosing an AI writing assistant:

• Support for multiple languages
• Grammar and spelling checks
• Customizable style and tone
• Compatibility with your platforms
• Easy integration into your workflow

Translation Tools: Benefits and Limits

Translation tools can simplify your process, but they also come with certain drawbacks. Here’s a quick comparison:

While these tools are helpful, they’re not flawless. Use them as part of a broader strategy for creating clear, accurate content.

Tips for Maximizing Writing Tools

To get the most out of your writing tools, try these strategies:

• Start with clear content: Well-written source text makes any tool perform better. Keep it simple and straightforward.
• Use customization: Tailor language settings, tone, and style to suit your audience.
• Check quality regularly: Even the best tools need human review to ensure accuracy, especially for critical content.
• Choose the right plan: Select a subscription level that fits your workload. For high-volume projects, consider plans with generous character limits and usage allowances.

Conclusion: Write Better for Global Readers

In today’s connected world, writing clearly in multiple languages is key to effective communication. By applying these five strategies, you can improve global communication and save valuable time.

Start by simplifying your content. Focus on clarity, consistency, and using visuals effectively – these are the cornerstones of strong global communication. Consider creating a glossary of industry-specific terms to ensure your messaging stays consistent.

Use writing tools to make your process smoother. These tools can help refine your content and maintain quality across different languages. Pairing the right tools with these strategies can make a big difference for your team.

Keep in mind, multilingual writing goes beyond translation – it’s about creating content that connects with readers worldwide. By prioritizing simplicity, consistency, and visual appeal, and using the right tools, you can successfully engage your global audience.

Related Blog Posts

• 5 Tone Localization Tips for Multilingual Content
• How to Avoid Bias in Multilingual Writing
• Multilingual Email Etiquette Checklist for Professionals
• Managing Feedback in Multilingual Writing