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Effective Writing.
Duration: 1 day
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Course Dates: |
In-house only
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For anyone who writes at work to be understood by others. This course promotes the use of accurate, brief, concise and clear English.
Course Programme
| Introduction |
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Why is there a problem?
Where are the traps? |
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| Words |
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Do we know what they mean?
Similar words
Misuse of words
Expressions, cliches, tautology |
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| English Usage |
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Common problems in writing
Sentences, structure/length
Punctuation
Spelling
Active/passive verbs
Hidden verbs
Common errors in grammar
Listing information |
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| The Clarity Index |
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Clear, more precise writing |
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| Good Writing |
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Planning, format, layout
Editing and re-writing |
Course Background
The objectives of this course are to help those of us who write at work to:
- ensure that our readers understand the message
- create information which is accurate, brief, concise and clear
- save time by planning our writing
- constructively criticise our own writing
- give our organisation a better image
- write in plain, clear English
Write effective memos, letters, procedures, reports etc.
| Session |
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Delivery Method |
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Learning Outcomes |
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| Introduction |
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Tutor input.
Individual discussion.
Handouts. |
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The problems with 'everyday' use and misuse of English.
How this misuse by the spoken word transfers into the written word. |
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| Words |
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Delegates
attempt two exercises to find the problems with the meaning of some common
words and how the written word can confuse.
Tutor input - group discussion on the over-use of cliches, expressions
etc.
Handouts. |
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Getting
to know 'common' use of some words can cause confusion.
Reading what is written rather than what our brain 'tricks' us on.
Writing in plain English. |
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| English usage |
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Tutor input.
Group exercises.
Common problems. Errors in grammar.
The 'you' approach.
Handouts. |
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Sentence structure.
Proper grammar, punctuation and spelling. Personalising writing. Proof
reading. Unnecessary words and phrases. Perceived problems. Being precise.
Use of apostrophes. Writing in 'active' rather than 'passive'. Listing
information. Verbal nouns. |
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| The
Clarity Index |
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Tutor
input.
Discussion.
Handouts. |
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A
way to 'measure' the readability of written work.
Paragraphing. |
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| Good writing |
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Tutor input.
Group exercise.
Handouts.
Comprehensive notes for reference after the course. |
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Constructing a letter.
Creating a good image for your organisation.
Editing and re-writing.
Split page technique to write clearly and simplify.
How the professionals do it. |
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