What you'll learn
- How to use plain language so decision-makers understand the issue quickly
- How to prepare a one-page evidence summary that planners and school staff will read
- Record-keeping best-practices: what to capture and how to store it
- Simple scripts for opening conversations and clarifying misunderstandings
Why plain language matters
Decisionmakers are busy. Concise, factual language that links a problem to a specific daily impact and a suggested support increases the chance of action.
One-page evidence summary (template)
Cover sheet — Evidence Summary
Participant: [name] — ID: [if applicable]
Date: [date]
1. Requested change (one sentence)
2. Why (3 bullets — functional impact)
3. Key evidence (file name — one line why it matters)
4. Suggested supports & expected impact
5. Contact details
Quick scripts
Opening (email):
"I am contacting you to request a short meeting to review [issue]. I have attached a one-page summary and the key evidence. Could we meet on [dates]?"
Clarifying (in meeting):
"Can I check I understood this correctly — you are saying [short paraphrase]? The evidence I have says [one-line]."
Activity — Create your 60-second summary
Write one clear, 1–2 sentence summary that captures the impact and the support you want. Practice saying it aloud.
