---

A lay summary is a concise summary of research written in clear and plain language for a non-specialist audience (e.g. public). Lay summaries are a useful tool for making research accessible, enhancing public understanding, and fostering broader engagement with scientific work. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft an effective lay summary.

Understanding the Importance of a Lay Summary

Increasing evidence shows that publishing a paper does not mean it will have any impact. In fact, deliberate efforts at knowledge translation (KT) are needed to translate evidence into practice. The lay summary is an important KT tool that can be used to disseminate the findings of research to a broader audience that would not normally read the scientific manuscript. For this reason, there are important differences in the style and approach to writing a manuscript vs. lay summary.

Key Elements of an Effective Lay Summary

1. Know Your Audience

 Understand who will be reading your summary and tailor your language and content to meet their needs. Importantly, lay summaries are often focused on members of the public (or patients), but alternatively, can be other health care professionals without domain or research expertise. The language and style of writing will vary depending on the audience.

2. Provide Essential Context

 Include only the most necessary background information to help readers understand the research. Answer the “what,” “why,” “how,” “when,” “where,” and “who” of your study.

3. Cover the “So What?” Factor

 Justify the importance of your research. Explain its significance and potential impact on society or a specific field.

4. Follow a Logical Order

 Structure your summary logically in a way that is easy to follow. This often does NOT coincide with the chronological order of the research.

5. Explain the Impact

 Highlight what is going to change as a result of the research, especially in relation to wider society.

6. Use Plain English

 Write in plain language, as if explaining to someone outside your field generally at the 8^th grade reading level. Avoid jargon unless explicitly needed, and if used, explain it clearly.

7. Active Voice and First Person

 Use active voice and first-person pronouns to make the writing more engaging and clear (e.g., “We found” rather than “It was found”).

8. Positive Phrasing

 Use positive language to make your summary more appealing and easier to understand. For example, say “You will have repeat appointments weekly” instead of “The usual practice is not to schedule repeat appointments more frequently than once a week.”

9. Include Images

 Images can significantly enhance understanding and engagement. Use relevant visuals to complement your text.

10. Get Feedback from Audience Members

Before finalizing your summary, get feedback from individuals from your intended audience to ensure readability. Be particularly attuned to reading level and complexity, as it can be difficult to get honest feedback on this as the reader may be reluctant to admit that the complexity is beyond their reading level.

Final Tips for Writing Your Lay Summary

• Know your audience
• Provide essential context
• Answer the "so what?" factor
• Address the 5Ws and 1H
• Write in the active voice
• Craft a clear, relevant title
• Break up text for ease of reading
• Use positive phrasing
• Use simple sentences (less than 20 words)
• Use readability tools (checks reading level - aim for grade 8)
• Get feedback from your intended audience
• Avoid jargon unless absolutely necessary
• Use first person and active voice
• Include images and illustrations whenever possible

Lay summaries are a bit of work to get right but that said, if done correctly, they are a highly effective knowledge dissemination tool that helps your research reach well beyond your immediate circle of colleagues and researchers. Want to learn more? Check out this excellent resource for writing lay summaries. If you want learn more about improving your academic efficiency, check out our previous post and consider using Resub to save time formatting your manuscripts.

---