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Workshop Objectives
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Good writing is a learned skill, not a gift. But many of today's professionals were shortchanged in high school and university courses that underestimated business or technical writing. This intensive seminar is based on the latest practical research in writing and editing. It teaches a new approach to the writing process that will save you time and will result in logical and forceful communications. The objectives of the seminar are to increase the impact of your written message through clarity, brevity, understanding and a credible call for prompt action. As a participant, you will apply proven techniques to defog your message, adapt to and connect with various audiences, structure email, letters and reports, edit your draft, strengthen your style and captivate your target readers.
This workshop is the second session in a complete 5-day program.
You may elect to attend Part II (2.5 days) or the complete five-day program. Note that Part II
is recommended for managers and professionals, from business and government,
who want to see results from their writing or to set clear writing standards for their
teams. All Part-II attendees must be proficient in the subjects covered in the first seminar titled
Professional Skills for Writing with Clarity and Impact(Part I).
Those who have completed Part I are welcome to participate in this advanced workshop.
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Detailed Outline - 2.5 days - 2 CEU
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1. How to Write Clear, Short, Simple and Bold Messages
- Biting the blank page: Where and how to start on solid foundations
(lessons from P. Murphy and Hemingway)
- Prefer familiar words; use direct address: prefer the
active voice; avoid empty verbs and noun strings
- Dangling modifiers; confusing word pairs
- Pronoun usage; possessives; parallel structure
2. How to Profile Your Audience and State Your Purpose
- Addressing direct (targeted) and indirect audiences
3. Structure Your Message: The Inverted Pyramid
- Key questions to structure the outline
4. Logical Formats for Multiple Readers
- Short and formal reports: headings; tables of contents
5. Write an Edit the Draft: Do’s and Don’ts
- Best editing practices and symbols; revision checklists
- Logical flow of ideas: coherence, transitions, end
links, paragraph design and punctuating for sense
6. Improve Your Style in E-mails, Letters & Reports
- Language sensitivity; sentence variety; parallel structure;
emphasis/subordination of ideas; direct/indirect approach; sexism and
other biases; polishing tips
7. Control Your Fog. Maximize Impact.
- Writing for a lay audience; getting the message across
- Writing for someone else's signature: do’s and don’ts
8. Synthesis & Conclusion: Practical Lessons
- Lessons from peers and team leaders with exceptional success in
written communications
- How to lever improvement in writing skills to advance your professional career.
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Duration, Locations, Fees and CEU Value
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- Duration: 2.5 days from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. day 1, form 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. day 2 and 3
- Value in Continuing Education Units: 2 CEU
- Locations:
- Canada: PDI Conference Center in Ottawa-Gatineau National
Capital area. Free parking. Directions available at
www.executive.org/directions
- Call us for U.S. locations.
- Tuition Fees:
- Fees include books, hand-outs, road maps and other course materials of
exceptional value (see above), a daily continental breakfast, a light
luncheon plus hot and soft drinks twice a day.
- Regular fees: $1395; Government: $1345.
Add taxes for non tax-exempted participants
- Group fees for 3 or more persons: $1295 per participant.
Add taxes for non tax-exempted participants
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Hotel Accommodation for Out-of-Town Participants
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For overnight accommodation, several hotels are located within 10 to 20-minute
drive including Novotel, Hilton, Ramada Inn, Westin, Fairmont Chateau Laurier,
Marriott, Sheraton, Delta, Holiday Inn, Days Inn, Best Western, Cartier Place
Suite Hotel, Lord Elgin Hotel, and Minto Place Suite Hotel.
Click here for detailed information
about hotels.
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Registration and Cancellation Procedures
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How to Register: Please register by phone or fax and pay in advance by
cheque or credit card.
Send your cheque payable to: The Professional Development Institute PDI Inc.
Fees include books, hand-outs, road maps and other course materials of exceptional value
(see above), and a daily continental breakfast, light luncheon plus hot and soft drinks
during the morning and afternoon pauses, but exclude hotel accommodation (if required).
Cancellation Policy: Participants registering as a group must send substitutes in
lieu of cancelling.
For other clients, cancellations are accepted if made at least 10 working days
prior to the course, and are subject to a $100 service charge per person. Full
fees are payable by anyone who fails to attend or cancels less than 10 working
days prior to the session. One substitution or transfer to a later course of
the same duration is accepted.
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Register Now
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Personal Comfort, Dress Code and Photo Session
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The dress code is business casual at your discretion. Trust your judgment.
When unsure, err on the side of caution. If overdressed, you can remove
a tie or a jacket and roll up your sleeves. Members of the Canadian Forces
and the U.S. defense community can, at their discretion, either dress
casually or keep the uniform.
You will be reminded the first day to dress the way you feel most comfortable
for a photo session the next morning.
Although every effort will be made to ensure a pleasant learning environment
including a suitable temperature, we recommend you bring a sweater or a jacket
to the classroom as individual comfort zones differ and sudden variations in
the weather can temporarily affect air conditioning.
Also please kindly refrain from using strong fragrances during the session
in order to accommodate your fellow participants who suffer from allergies.
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