The reverse is also true. That is, when you do not wish to inform, you will not speak clearly. You will not point out helpful resources. You will write words and sentences that mean nothing, are not relevant to the reader, or at worst can mislead the reader.
Let me explain with two examples.
Exhibit A
A researcher approached the National Archives to request for some records. The National Archives told the researcher, “Research facilities are available for researchers subject to fulfillment of certain conditions as specified in the guidelines uploaded on our official website www.nationalarchives.in under the head, ‘what’s new’.”
The communication from the Archives failed because of two reasons:
1. It could have listed the conditions outright instead of sending the researcher on a wild goose chase.
2. Or, it could have pointed out the exact location on the website to the researcher. Not done either. (I visited the website but could not find the What’s New section. No wonder the researcher got frustrated.)
It also didn’t help that the entire communication was in officialese. When the Central Information Commission asked the Archives to communicate in "simple, clear language", I couldn’t help but wonder how this could happen when the context for clarity was missing. Government communication frequently tends to speak down and confuse. It is not the ecosystem for clear words and sentences.
Exhibit B
The Supreme Court recently pulled up legal firms for drafting confusing clauses. Clause 13 of an agreement said that the arbitration venue would be New Delhi, while Clause 14 said that Jaipur courts would have exclusive jurisdiction.
Seriously? I am surprised that the apex court of this land has to deal with such drivel.
Chief Justice Surya Kant exclaimed, “Why can't you simplify the clause when you enter into [an] agreement ...?”
In both these examples, the very intention to communicate and inform is missing. When this is so, it is a given that language will mirror the intention and be as confusing and intimidating as it can be.
