Training
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We design courses in collaboration with the client and encourage the commissioning executive or executives to join in if possible. All our workshops are a mixture of guidance, discussion and practice. The following is a sample programme of three half-day workshops:
First session: mastering the basics
| Theme | Method | Learning Points |
| Writing with purpose, considering the reader | Guidance: do's and don'ts Individual exercise: memo Discussion |
Ask yourself: What is my purpose? Who will read this? Will they get the message? |
| Clearing obstacles to understanding | Group Exercise: re-writing sentences and paragraphs Discussion |
Avoid common pitfalls: waffle, jargon, stock phrases, vagueness |
| Grammar and punctuation |
Guidance: points of grammar Group exercise: changing the construction Guidance: punctuation Individual exercise: punctuation |
Write simple sentences Use more verbs, avoid abstract nouns and passive constructions Punctuate for clarity |
Second session: organising and presenting
| Theme | Method | Learning points |
| Making it look easy to read | Guidance: layout, listing Discussion Individual exercise: bullet points |
Use white space Guide the reader with headings Use lists with care |
| Organising information to achieve your purpose | Guidance: researching, planning, summarising Discussion Group exercise: brainstorm to create skeleton report |
Read carefully Group ideas together Make a plan Think of headings Check for clarity and effectiveness |
| Editing for the reader's benefit Checking for look and feel |
Individual exercise: editing a report | Take reader's perspective Ensure they will get the right message |
Third session: writing in different contexts
| Theme | Method | Learning points |
| Reader awareness revisited | Individual Exercise: a difficult letter Discussion |
Address the reader's concerns Be sensitive |
| Writing techniques: use of imagery, building expectation, shock tactics Giving value |
Group exercise: introductory paragraphs Guidance: ingredients of good writing Group exercise: avoiding vagueness |
Paint pictures Surprise the reader Suggest but don't preach Flatter - but subtly Inform and enlighten |
| Dealing with the media | Guidance: press releases Individual exercise: writing a press release Discussion |
Give essential information Don't overwrite Stay in touch |
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Sample programme |
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Sample exercises |
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"Everyone found Jeff Hartley, Customer Relations Manager, NatWest |