Workshops

Foundations of writing
Plain English business writing
Writing for the web
Writing powerful proposals
English grammar essentials
Proofreading
Policy and procedure writing

Foundations of writing

Half-day

This workshop is a must for anyone who needs to write workplace documents. It is especially important for all those who tend to leave writing tasks to the last minute. Participants will learn how to structure their time and plan writing tasks to achieve a more powerful result. They will also learn how to write an outline, analyse their audience and find the right angle.

 

Plain English business writing

One to two days depending on need

For those who find writing clearly and concisely a difficult or impossible task, this workshop will be a revelation. Participants learn how to identify clumsy, wordy expressions and convert them to clear and concise language. They will come away from this workshop with tips of the trade for polishing documents and producing a professional finish. Optional modules include letter and report writing.

 

Writing for the web

Half-day

Increasingly, organisations need to provide written material suitable for electronic media, yet few staff know the specific writing skills needed. Participants on this workshop learn to think of the internet as a linking mechanism and 'chunk' their content using the inverted pyramid style. Through studying live websites, participants learn the importance of using scannable text and how to present their text in the most effective way.

 

Writing powerful proposals

One-day

Success in attracting grant money, or having a proposal accepted, often depends on how effectively it is written. Participants in this workshop learn how to write a compelling rationale suitable for their audience, structure their proposal, write effective aims and objectives as well as measurable outcomes. They will also learn how to write persuasive language, focusing on strengths and positive outcomes.

 

English grammar essentials

One-day

This workshop covers all those tricky areas of grammar that many people find confusing. Participants become empowered by understanding how to use apostrophes correctly, when to use commas and the difference between which and that. The mysteries of en and em dashes are uncovered along with many other puzzling questions of English grammar.

 

Proofreading

Half-day

 Most organisations have experienced the embarrassment of printing thousands of copies of a brochure or annual report only to find a glaring error that had not been picked up before printing. Participants on this workshop learn what to look for when proofreading, how to use a style sheet to ensure consistency, and how to mark up copy using proofreading symbols.

 

Policy and procedure writing

Half-day

Any organisation wishing to save valuable time and money will benefit from learning how to write clear policies and procedures that employees can follow. Participants on this workshop learn how to structure policies and procedures using a logical sequence. They will also learn how to write and format procedures using direct and consistent language.