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. |
Several people made a point of telling me how well the presentation went, how useful it was to them and how well I did, leading the presentation. I frankly owe these kudos to you and an excellent training session. This was, in fact, the first time I have ever delivered a presentation in such formal circumstances. My ability to perform (without nerves!) in front of a high-powered group was entirely due to the learning I received from you at the “Effective Oral Briefings and Presentations to Senior Officials” session in March (2014). So thanks, Josef!