Module Overview
This series of three-hour modules is designed to prepare your staff to write with confidence, knowing that the concepts taught in the class have been proven to be effective. Participants learn the importance of audience and purpose analysis, how to present information effectively, and how to make appropriate language, structural (sentence and paragraph), organizational, and stylistic choices. The course focuses on giving writers the tools they need to make appropriate choices.

These modules are best taken as a group sequentially; however, they are set up such that participants need not attend all modules to benefit.

Basic Writing Modules
(Offered onsite; three-hours each; suitable for most writers)

Writing Fundamentals
Analyzing audience needs
Understanding purpose
Understanding the necessity of persuasion
Maintaining a positive image
Being concise and precise
Using active/passive voice, concrete/abstract language, emphasis

Critical Thinking
Understanding the role of thinking in decision-making
Using logic to understand the impact of actions and decisions
Avoiding assumptions

Editing and Proofreading
Defining editing and proofing
Using foolproof techniques
Becoming your best editor
Helping others edit

Reviewing the Documents of Others
Reviewing for content rather than style
Understanding the importance of reader expectations
Helping writers meet reader expectations

Understanding Organization
Understanding the importance of good organization
Creating outlines and more
Exploring the vast universe of organization; or organizing sentences, paragraphs, and documents
Creating goodwill through good organization

Creating Accessibility in Documents
Defining accessibility
Understanding the importance of
Creating usable documents
Designing documents

Creating and Using Graphs, Charts and Tables
Defining graphs, charts and tables
Designing useful graphs, charts and tables
Labeling and call-outs
Referring to and placement

Writing to Provide Negative Information
Maintaining goodwill when presenting negative information
Using neutral and/or positive phrasing
Understanding emphasis
Using the "sandwich" technique
Creating a positive tone

Writing Emails and Memos
Understanding the complexity of writing emails
Emails as permanent and legal documents
Creating the appropriate tone
Creating readable and usable emails

When is a Letter More than a Letter?
Planning techniques
Letters as documentation
Letters as action documents
Considering jargon
Making sure you're heard

Designing Effective Documents
Understanding the role of design in document effectiveness
Using the proper fonts and typography
Designing the document to enhance readability
Document design and image