Writing That Works - Clear, Concise, Persuasive - Write Smart®

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, 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, continual vs. continuous, etc.)

Using consistent, time-tested punctuation techniques.

Sharpening editing and proofreading skills: playing the Game of GrammaText™ to catch common errors that spell-check and grammar-check will miss.

The intensive 6-hour Write Smart Workshop includes instruction, application of course content to improving specific writing skills, and the 240-page ABZs of Writing for each participant.

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 9-hour Write Smart Plus program (three 3-hour classes) includes all of the areas covered in the 6-hour program — plus on-the-job writing assignments reviewed and edited in each class. Each participant will receive the latest edition of the 270-page Write Smart manual, along with six 60-minute CDs (or an mp3 version) to enhance long-term learning.

Writing That Works

Developing a Polished, Persuasive Style

Why is the typical magazine article interesting and easy to read, while so many reports (letters, proposals, technical manuals, legal briefs, regulations, websites, academic papers, e-mail messages, resumes, 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 polished, professional style.

Getting the reader's attention.

Holding the reader's interest.

Relying on the sentence patterns that most professional writers and editors use most of the time.

Cutting the message down to size: eliminating dull, rambling explanations that will bore the reader to death.

Saying what you mean in plain English (not stale jargon, not empty cliches).

Avoiding ambiguous language that may lead to costly misunderstandings.

Using the logic of the language to create smooth transitions.

Acquiring good writing habits: mastering the Write Smart 12-Step Program.

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), the latest edition of the 270-page Write Smart manual and six 60-minute CDs (or an mp3 version) for each participant, and on-the-job writing assignments discussed and edited in each class.