Centre for Communications Excellence

Workshop

Writing

Plain Language Writing Skills for Government

March 5–6, 2026 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Check for more dates available
Online
Cost: $746
Have questions about cancellations, rescheduling, or substitutions? View our workshop policies.

Why should you attend?

An effective writing style is key to a successful career in the public or private sector. At some stage, everyone is required to produce notes, decks and, of course, e-mails. This workshop reviews the components essential to writing clearly and simply, and provides a range of exercises to refresh and practice those skills.

What will you learn?

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

What will you take away?

  • Presentation slides in the form of a participant notebook
  • Useful handouts and exercises

Professional Competencies

  • Thinking Things Through: Innovating through analysis and ideas

Meet Your Instructor

Claude Panneton

Claude Panneton is a former public service executive with over 20 years of communications experience including risk and crisis communications, issues management, strategic communications and oversight of departmental public environment analysis,… Read full bio


Sample Agenda

Activity
Introductions and Workshop Overview
Why Write Well?
Participants examine the key components of good writing and discuss why writing well pays off.
A Look at Style
What do we mean by style and tone when writing? How do we choose effective words, eliminate unnecessary terms and avoid jargon? Participants practice tips and tricks for writing well.
BREAK
Clear and Simple
Discussion and exercises for avoiding language traps and building clear, readable sentences.
The Writing Process
Participants examine the steps in undertaking a writing project and discuss the drafting and editing of texts.
LUNCH
The Art of Plain Language
Instructor-led discussion on the principles and guidelines of plain language. Participants practice making texts clear and easy to read.
Writing Concisely
What is “writing short”? Participants learn how to shorten text and write a précis using a five-step process.
BREAK
Writing for Government
What is required to write notes, decks and e-mails? Participants learn the essentials of writing government documents.
Wrap-up and Workshop Evaluation
Participants complete a short evaluation.
Register

You continue to offer exactly what government workers need to learn – at the right time!

Workshop Participant, Health Canada