| TARGET WRITING: Getting Results
A Business Writing Program |
This program is also available online - see Webinars
Poor Writing is Expensive
Poorly written communication among employees, customers, and vendors 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.
Poor Writing Doesn't Motivate Readers
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 won't be able to quickly find the relevant information they need; consequently, they will put the document aside with the intention of "reading it later when they have more time". And if the sentence structure is choppy or the writing tone is unpleasant, the reader will have difficulty focusing on the content - which defeats the purpose of the communication.
Poor Grammar & Punctuation Will Hurt a Writer's Message (and Credibility)
Have you ever received an e-mail or letter from someone you never met and that document was riddled with grammar and punctuation errors? What was your first impression? Did you have negative thoughts about that writer? If so, your negative perception of that writer will likely create a negative interpretation of the content - even if the content was excellent. After all, if a writer doesn't take the time to proofread for proper grammar and punctuation, it's common to assume the writer is lazy (or incompetent).
First Impressions
When we meet someone face-to-face for the first time there are many ways to make a good first impression (e.g. firm handshake, eye contact, physical appearance, etc.). When we write to someone for the first time, we create a first impression in the reader's mind. If we write well, it tells the reader that we are professional, knowledgeable, and aware of the reader's needs. |
FAQ
■ Who should attend?
■ What will our employees learn?
■ What makes Target Writing different?
■ Can this program be customized?
■ What is the cost?
■ How can Target Writing be delivered to our employees?
| Who should attend? |
Employees who need to efficiently and effectively communicate information to others - inside and outside of your organization.
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| What will our employees learn? |
They will learn how to:
■ Write highly readable letters, memos, e-mails, and reports
■ Overcome writer�s block using flexible techniques for different writing projects
■ Research information quickly and accurately to find the key information you need
■ Create effective writing plans to keep you focused and on schedule
■ Write e-mails that immediately get the attention of your readers
■ Use the proper writing tone to ensure your readers interpret your message correctly
■ Develop correspondence to motivate your readers to act on your message quickly
■ Learn the grammar and punctuation rules that are relevant to business
■ Use proper punctuation to guide your reader's pace and to emphasize key points
■ Recognize and correct grammar errors that can hurt your credibility as a writer
Sample Outline
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| How is Target Writing different? |
Many business writing classes still teach 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 to get your readers to take the action requested (or required).
In this program, your employees will learn how to format and communicate their message to appeal to their reader'learningstyles.html">learning and thinking strengths. Writers shouldn't flood a "big picture" reader with too many facts and details; nor should a writer be too general with a detail-oriented reader. Instead, writer's need to hit the "hot buttons" of their readers which will encourage readers to respond faster.
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. 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 readers recognize the importance of taking action).
IMPORTANT: We recommend employees bring their current writing assignments (or topics) to our training class. Our instructor will show them how to apply our strategies directly to the type of writing they perform on a daily basis.
In this program, each participant will receive a comprehensive workbook containing all the writing strategies with worksheets to help them efficiently apply the strategies in their job. In addition, they will have unlimited online access to their instructor for six months following the training class to receive help with any of the writing strategies.
For information on how our programs are different from other training providers, go to Different.
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| Can this program be customized? |
Yes, Target Writing can be taught "as is" or you can have us modify the content and length to satisfy your organization's specific training objectives. We can also provide day, evening and weekends sessions.
There is no extra cost for customization or off-hours scheduling.
This program is also available online - see Webinars.
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| What is the cost? |
Group Rate: $2,500 (up to 30 participants)
Per Person Rate: $195 (minimum 6 participants)
These rates are all-inclusive - see Training Rates
Add 10% to the listed rates when the class takes place within a major city. |
| How can Target Writing be delivered to our employees? |
There are four different ways to receive the benefits of our Target Writing program.
ON-SITE TRAINING | This program includes a 1-day training class delivered when and where your employer chooses, and 6 months of online follow-up for each training participant.
For more information, see Training Request - or Contact Us. | | | | ONLINE PROGRAM | This is a self-paced, interactive online program that includes a Strategies Workbook and online access to your own Target Learning instructor for 3 months.
For more information, see Webinars | | | | PUBLIC SEMINARS | This seminar is available to the general public and is offered nationwide at public locations (i.e. hotels, event facilities, etc.).
To see if Target Writing is being offered near you, see Public | | | | 1-on-1 COACHING | This is for those who want individual on-site instruction based on a customized learning plan.
For more information, see Coaching |
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