In Write Smart Plus, Writing That Works, or The Full Program, we can address the general writing needs of your organization or focus on one of the following specific areas:
• Plain Writing Techniques for General Information (letters, memos, e-mail messages)
• Reports (IG, IT, EEO, audit, investigative, white papers)
• Proposals
• Editing (GPO Style, AP Style, Chicago Manual Style, MLA Style, APA Style, Blue Book)
• Technical and Scientific Writing
• Plain English for Lawyers (briefs, regulations, judicial decisions)
• Manuals
• Contracts
• Websites
• Articles for Publication
• Newsletters, Advertising, PR
• GrammaText for Educators and Students
Write Smart Workshop
Focus on the Fundamentals
How do skilled professional writers and editors apply the fundamentals of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation to express ideas clearly and concisely? Instead of sitting through a tiresome rehash of “rules and exceptions,” your staff will learn ways to produce reader-friendly documents — and how to spot embarrassing grammar goofs that may undermine confidence in your organization's credibility.
Getting started.
Getting to the point.
Framing your message in a simple, unifying structure that people can understand easily and respond to promptly.
Understanding why strong action verbs engage the reader's interest, while cumbersome passive verbs may confuse the reader.
Finding the right word: a review of the 100 most frequently misused words (who vs whom, which vs. that, affect vs. effect, ensure vs. insure, its vs it's, uninterested vs disinterested, avert vs avoid, etc.)
Using consistent, time-tested punctuation techniques.
Acquiring good writing habits: shaping the message to fit the reader.
Sharpening editing and proofreading skills: playing the Game of GrammaText® to catch common errors that your computer’s spell-check and grammar-check will miss.
The intensive 6-hourWrite Smart Workshop includes instruction, application of course content to improving specific writing skills, and the 240-page ABZs of Writing for each participant.
Writing That Works
Developing a Polished, Persuasive Style
Why is the typical magazine article easy to read, while so many reports (letters, announcements, proposals, standard forms, technical manuals, legal briefs, regulations, Websites, academic papers, e-mail messages, résumés, etc.) are tedious and muddled?
Get results — writing that sparks the reader's interest, commands attention, and earns respect.
In this lively, interactive program, participants will learn how to apply the techniques that America's best professional writers and editors use to create a style that's polished, professional, and easy to follow.
Getting the reader's attention.
Holding the reader's interest.
Relying on the sentence patterns that most skilled professional writers and editors use most of the time.
Cutting the message down to size: eliminating dull, rambling explanations that your readers will find boring.
Saying what you mean in plain English — not stale jargon, not empty clichés.
Avoiding ambiguous language that may lead to costly misunderstandings.
Putting the right words in the right place: turning good ideas into strong sentences.
Using key words and phrases to create smooth transitions.
Communicating successfully with people at different levels within the organization.
Knowing when to use parallel construction.
Mapping the message: when will bullets and graphics help — and when will they hurt?
Coming up with strong introductions and solid conclusions.
Thinking and writing clearly under pressure: short cuts to help you get the job done —
on time.
The Writing That Works program includes 24 hours of instruction (four 6-hour classes or six 4-hour classes), the latest edition of the 280-page Write Smart manual and six 60-minute CDs (or the mp3 version) for each participant, and on-the-job writing assignments reviewed and edited in each class.
The 60-hour Full Program includes a 24-hour Write Smart/Writing That Works program — plus 36 hours of follow-up instruction or editorial support. (With flexible scheduling, this program is also available in a 40-hour version. For details, call 202.543.3442.)
Writing Training for People in Business, Government & Education • Write Smart ® • GS-02F-0069S
Write Smart Workshop – a 6-hour program
Write Smart Plus – a 12-hour program
Writing That Works – a 24-hour program
One-on-One Coaching
For details about these and other professional development programs, call 202.543.3442 or send an e-mail to information@writesmart.com.
Write Smartoffers seven programs to meet the needs of your organization —
available as On-site Training or Live, Interactive Video eLearning!
Editorial Support
Advanced Writing and Editing –a6-hourprogram
Writing That Works: The Full Program – a 60-hour program
One-on-One Coaching: Writing or Editing
Convenient, Practical Online Training (via WebEx)
Includes 10 hours of individualized instruction, the latest edition of the Write Smart
manual, and 6 CDs (or mp3 version) — plus job-related assignments targeted to address your specific needs. ( 20-hour program and 40-hour program also available.)
Advanced Writing and Editing: Techniques and Strategies
Write Smart Plus
Shaping the Message to Fit the Reader
Nobody ever learned how to become a great writer in one day. Like other skills, writing requires time to understand and apply specific techniques. The 12-hourWrite Smart Plus program (two 6-hour classes, three 4-hour classes, or four 3-hour classes) includes all of the areas covered in
the 6-hour workshop — plus on-the-job writing assignments reviewed and edited in each class.
All participants will receive the latest edition of the 280-page Write Smart manual, along with
six 60-minute CDs (or the MP3 version) to enhance long-term learning.
The intensive 6-hourAdvanced Writing and Editing program provides hands-on training for good writer who see the need to improve — to meet the demands of current job responsibilities or because of a desire to move up professionally. The focus is on applying time-tested techniques and strategies to your own writing or to editing the work of others. Includes the latest edition of the new Write Smart manual. Enrollment limited to 12 participants.
®
There’s not much to be said about the period except that most writers don’t reach it soon enough. – William Zinsser
