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
Don Smith
Don Smith is a former broadcast journalist and Government of Canada communications executive. During his ten years in radio Don produced two highly successful talk shows at CFRA Ottawa, and later was senior reporter for CKOY/CKBY Ottawa and a… 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. |
I had a really good experience. I heard good things about your training before, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Manager, Transport Canada