（日本語ブログ：海外IRで読み手に伝わる英文コミュニケーションとは｜One World Link）
When preparing earnings materials, disclosures, or other investor communications in English, do you think about your global audience? Do you consider whether stakeholders from different countries and cultural backgrounds will be able to follow the logic and messaging clearly?
Your audience likely includes readers with different English proficiency levels, cultural backgrounds, and communication styles. Understanding how to write for a global audience can help make investor communications clearer, more accessible, and easier to understand across markets.
One approach that can help companies communicate more effectively with global audiences is Plain English.
In today’s blog, we will provide a more in-depth look at the Plain English approach, explore why tis method of writing was originally developed, and examine several rewrite examples that demonstrate how clearer writing can improve communication with global audiences.
The Plain English Approach
One World Link prioritizes using Plain English in our translations and we encourage companies to apply the same principles when communicating with global investors and stakeholders. But what exactly is Plain English?
In a recent blog on how effective IR communications are a competitive advantage, we briefly introduced Plain English as a writing approach that focuses on clear, accessible communication. The approach originally developed as a way to make government and legal documents easier for the public to understand.
This approach can be especially important when communicating with global audiences. English proficiency levels, cultural backgrounds, and communication styles can differ significantly across readers, making clarity and accessibility an important part of effective global communication.
Many of the principles associated with Plain English also overlap with the points we covered in our previous blog on Business English writing:
- Write short, direct sentences
- Use simple language and avoid idioms or slang
- Make correct grammar and punctuation a priority
- Be clear in your messages
- Include strong vocabulary
- Be careful when using industry-specific language or internal language
The following examples break down several Plain English rewrites based on these Business English writing principles and demonstrate how small adjustments can make corporate communications clearer and easier for global audiences to understand.
Write short and direct sentences
Japanese sentences often contain multiple clauses and background explanations. Direct translations can therefore become long and difficult to read.
Ex.
English: In order to further strengthen our management foundation and realize sustainable growth over the medium to long term, we will continue to implement initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency throughout the Group.
Rewrite: We will continue to improve operational efficiency across the Group to strengthen our management foundation and support medium- to long-term growth.
Why rewrite?
- “In order to” and “further” add words, but do not add meaning.
- The original sentence contains a long introductory clause and several layers of explanation before reaching the main point.
- The phrase “implement initiatives aimed at improving” is weak. Changing to “improve” is more direct and concise.
Use simple language; avoid idioms or slang
Idioms depend on cultural familiarity. Global readers who speak English as a second language may not immediately understand the meaning.
Ex.
English: Our new strategy is a game-changer for the company.
Rewrite: Our new strategy will completely transform our [XYZ].
Why rewrite?
- The phrase “game changer” is an idiom that some global investors might not understand. Using simpler phrasing that keeps the same impact helps ensure understanding for all readers.
Use correct grammar and punctuation
Though a bit obvious, grammar and punctuation should be a priority, instead of bending English rules to match the Japanese structure.
For example, English only uses quotation marks in limited situations. Quotation marks are not a simple translation for every use of Japanese brackets.
Ex.
English: The company implements initiatives under the concept of “value creation.”
Rewrite: The company implements initiatives focused on value creation.
Why rewrite?
We use quotation marks for direct quotes, titles, unusual terminology, and even sarcasm in English. We never use quotation marks to emphasize a word or a phrase.
Ensure clarity
Japanese writing, in particular, tends to omit subjects and use passive language frequently. These habits, while perhaps acceptable for Japanese readers, negatively impact readability and clarity in English.”
Ex.
English: The results of deliberations are reported to the Executive Committee and incorporated into the company strategy.
Rewrite: The Board of Directors reports deliberation results to the Executive Committee, which translates results into the company strategy.
Why rewrite?
The original uses passive voice, which hides who performs what actions. Clarity is key in governance reporting. Be sure to use subjects and keep sentences simple to ensure clarity.
Using strong vocabulary
Japanese writing often relies on verb-noun structures, which AI and machine translation tend to render as indirect, verb-heavy phrases in English.
Some of the most common examples come from する verbs, which often appear as weak verb constructions in English, such as conduct, implement, and develop. Phrases like “conduct a share repurchase” or “implement a merger” can be written more concisely and naturally as “repurchase shares” or “merge” in most contexts.
Another common pattern is the use of nominalizations. Nominalizations, or verbs expressed as nouns, often create long and wordy phrases that reduce clarity. For example, “contribute to the enhancement of corporate value” can be simplified to “(help) enhance corporate value,” and “conduct an evaluation of risks” can be rewritten as “evaluate risks.”
Direct translations of verbs such as realize, promote, and strengthen can also sound vague or unnatural, as their usage differs from typical English contexts.
A plain English approach favors using a single, strong verb to keep sentences clear and concise.
Ex.
English: The company will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Rewrite: The company will help build a sustainable society.
Why rewrite?
- “Contribute to” is a weak verb that does not explain the company’s action.
- “Realization of” is problematic on a few levels.
- First, we want to avoid nominalizations when possible.
- Word choice. Realization is not natural in this context.
Another area in which OWL recommends using strong verbs is in place of adverbs and weak verbs. Business Japanese relies on many adverbs that we can remove and rewrite into stronger verbs.
Ex.
English: We will further strengthen efforts to expand overseas operations.
Rewrite: We will strengthen efforts to expand overseas operations.
Why rewrite?
Words such as expand, strengthen, improve, increase, enhance, and develop already imply movement or progress. Adding “further” often repeats the same idea without adding meaningful information.
Conclusion
Ensuring your message is clear to people across the world is the number one way to write for a global audience. Simplicity is key.
Contact OWL and let us help you tell your story to the world.
Jessica Azumaya
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