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Instructor

Barbara Campbell

Barbara Campbell

Barbara Campbell is a communications executive with wide federal government experience, including as a Director General of Communications in several departments and a Director of policy at the Privy Council Office.

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When, Where, How Much?

When:
October 2, 2013

Where:
CEC Training Room
1900 Merivale Road, Suite 206
Ottawa, ON K2G 4N4

How much:
$675 (+13% HST)


Testimonials

"Barbara is very knowledgeable in the subject. She is very approachable and has a great attitude. Very pleasant trainer."

"Great course! Wouldn't change a thing."

"The exercises we did were all relevant and very useful. I appreciated all the "tricks""

"This workshop taught me how to organize the writing process"

"Easy to follow, interesting, participative - a good overall experience"

"The workshop & exercises were very helpful and gave me the hands on training that I wanted"

"The workshop was great - amazing instructor who kept me interested all the way through"


THE ART OF WRITING WELL (G037)

Complete List > The Art of Writing Well

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

A good writing style is a key element in a successful career, be it in the public or private sector. At some stage, everyone is required to produce at least some of: reports, memos, decks, briefing notes, communications plans, memoranda to cabinet and, of course, e-mails. This workshop reminds participants of the components essential to writing well and provides a wide range of exercises that allow for refreshing and practicing those skills.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

  • How to develop and maintain an effective writing style
  • How to write concise prose
  • How to organize material in the writing process
  • How to present material in an attractive, easy-to-read fashion.

WHAT WILL YOU TAKE AWAY?

  • A workbook with presentation details
  • Exercises and handouts

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMPETENCY

Agenda
8:45 - 8:50 Introductions and Workshop Overview
8:50 - 9:30 Writing: Why Bother?

Instructor-led analysis of what makes for and the key components of good writing - and why taking the trouble to write well pays off. 
Exercise
9:30 - 10:00 Style, Tone and the Elements of a Readable Sentence

What do we mean by style and tone when writing? What do these comprise? What makes for a readable as opposed to an unreadable sentence? 
Exercise

10:00 - 10:30 Break
10:30 - 12:00 Practicing the Skills: Getting Down to the Essentials

Précis writing provides training in writing well. How to write a précis using a five step process. Dealing with length: tips on shortening. 
Exercise

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:30 - 13:45 Practicing the Skills: "Writing Short"

What is "writing short" and how can we consistently practice it? Instructor-led discussion. 
Exercise

13:45 - 15:15 Writing those Government Documents

Looking at the challenges of and tips for writing such government documents as briefing notes, Memoranda to Cabinet, Question Period notes, decks/power point presentations and media lines. Presentation and instructor-led discussion.
15:15 - 16:15 Exercise

Writing one of the government documents discussed.
16:15 - 16:30

Wrap-up and Workshop Evaluation

Participants will complete a short evaluation