Poorly written communication among staff, vendors, and customers will always cost your organization time and money.  For instance, calculate the time required to create a document (i.e. memo, e-mail, letter or report).  Now calculate the time it takes to send out clarifications (or verbally answer questions) because the readers didn't understand the message - or ignored the message and missed the stated deadline.

This process will emotionally drain your writers, since their best attempts to communicate their message repeatedly result in misinterpretation, or inaction.

As busy writers, we tend to think mainly about efficiently disseminating information and not how the readers will react to the formatting, the sentence structure, and the writing tone. For example, if a document is poorly formatted, readers can't quickly find the relevant information they need (or want); consequently, they will put the document aside with the intention of "reading it later when they have more time".  If the sentence structure is choppy or the writing tone is unpleasant, readers will focus more on the style than on the content - which defeats the purpose of the communication.

Regarding grammar and punctuation, have you ever received a written document (or e-mail) from someone you never met before (i.e. a new client, vendor, colleague, etc.) and it was riddled with incorrect grammar and punctuation?  If so, what was your first impression of that writer?  If you had negative thoughts about the writer, it's very likely you won't view the writer's content seriously.  Even if the content is excellent, you may be skeptical - after all, if a writer can't take the time to use proper grammar and punctuation, it's common to assume the writer is lazy (or incompetent).

When we meet someone face-to-face for the first time there are many ways to make a first good impression (e.g. firm handshake, eye contact, physical appearance, etc.).  Would you take seriously a person who was dressed inappropriately for the occasion?  Would you listen closely to the person's content if he or she appeared to be disorganized or unprepared?

When we write to someone for the first time our grammar, punctuation, and formatting will create the first impression in the reader's mind.

FAQ

■  Who should attend?
■  What will my employees learn?
■  What makes this seminar different?
■  Where will the seminar take place?
■  Can this seminar be customized?
■  What is the cost?

 

Who should attend?

Employees who need to efficiently and effectively communicate their ideas and information inside and outside of your organization.
 

What will my employees learn?

They will learn how to:

     ►  Write organized & readable memos, letters, e-mails & reports
     ►  Overcome writer’s block using their personal thinking style
     ►  Research key information quickly and accurately
     ►  Creative effective writing places for all types of projects
     ►  Write e-mails that immediately grab the reader's attention
     ►  Use the proper writing tone to ensure readers properly interpret their message
     ►  Develop correspondence that motivates reader's to act on the information in a timely manner
     ►  Learn the grammar and punctuation rules that are relevant to business
     ►  Use punctuation to focus the readers on the key information
     ►  Recognize and correct grammar errors that can hurt their credibility as writers
 

How is this seminar different?

Many seminars still teach working adults to only think like a writer when they write.  We believe a writer should also think like a reader.  After all, the primary goal of any written communication is to convey your message as quickly and clearly as possible to your intended readers - and get the readers to take the action requested (or required) in your correspondence.

In this seminar, your employees will learn how to format and communicate their message to appeal to their reader's particular learning and thinking strengths.  In short, you don't want to flood a "big picture" thinker with too many facts and details, nor do you want to be too general with a detail-oriented reader.  Hitting the "hot buttons" of your readers will always result in a faster response or action by your readers.

From a grammar and punctuation perspective, many business writing courses simply drill the participants on the same grammar and punctuation rules taught in an academic setting.  However, communicating in the business world requires a more practical application of grammar and punctuation rules.  Therefore, we will show your employees how to use the accepted rules for business grammar as part of the total communication package (i.e. establish credibility as a writer, create highly readable documents, and make the reader recognize the importance of taking action).

To help participants achieve the objectives of this seminar, they will receive a comprehensive workbook containing the applicable grammar and punctuation rules, writing templates, and step-by-step strategies for creating effective correspondence - even when under strict deadlines.

IMPORTANT:  We recommend employees bring their current writing assignments (or topics) to this seminar.  Our instructor will show them how to apply our strategies directly to the type of writing they perform on a daily basis.

For more differences between us and other training providers, see Different.
 

Where will this seminar take place?

We can offer our programs on-site at your place of work, or at a location of your choice.  We can also provide day, evening and weekends sessions.  There is never an extra charge for off-hours scheduling.
 

Can this seminar be customized?

Yes, the content and length can be tailored to meet the needs of your organization. 

Inquiry/Request Form
 

What is the cost?

For our on-site seminar prices, see Rates.