Resource Center

How to Gain Efficiencies in Written Communication

We just published a case study/how to article in Training Magazine based on a half-day customized writing workshop we did for a medical credentialing organization. In a nutshell, the organization was struggling with the letters it sent to its diplomats—the letters were long (five pages wasn't unusual); contained too much information; and often contained information that readers didn't necessarily need. We analyzed the letters and developed a workshop that focused on these issues and more. When we followed up with the organization three months later, they listed...

Ten Sure‐Fire Ways to Improve your Writing

1. Plan! Many writers don't take much time to plan; in fact, many simply begin writing, believing that that first draft will become their final draft with just a little "cleaning up" and reorganization. For writing tasks, 80 percent of your time should be spent planning and only 20 percent should be spent actually writing, a formula that will result in less rewriting and revision and less wasted time. Consider: Using freewriting, brainstorming, outlining or a combination to begin planning.
2. Figure out, in advance, what your "walk‐away" message is. Effective writers have a very good idea of the take‐home, or walk‐away, message of their document. If you don't know, and haven't taken the time to write it down, chances are good that your reader will come to different conclusion; consequently, you'll be less likely to achieve your goal. Consider: Writing a purpose statement...

A Bad Economy is a Good Time to Hone Skills

A Bad Economy is a Good Time to Hone Skills Just like the gas crisis can help us learn better driving habits and ways to save gas, a down economy can be a perfect time to reflect on, and hone, our skills. While lots of companies cut training in a poor economy, that doesn't mean that you should also cut out training. In fact, honing your skills, besides enhancing your value to the organization, can demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement and can make your job easier, help you remain competitive, and strengthen your confidence.

Your skills matter, and shouldn't suffer because your company may be offering less training. However, be sure that when you look for training that you consider payoff; in other words, consider training that gives you an immediate and appreciable impact...

Win a Writing Course!

Punctuate the passage below. The exercise should take only 1-2 minutes, and you'll be entered to win a free online writing course: Hurley Write's Online Technical Writing Course, Option 2. Gain confidence in your writing, and watch your career improve. We'll post the winner next month, so stay tuned!

Paula went to the store but when she arrived it was closed. She decided therefore that she would sit in the parking lot until the store reopened. As she sat there she began to wonder why the store was closed since the sign clearly said that it was open 24 hours a day. Paula not being the sharpest tool in the shed had pushed on the door when the door clearly said pull. Consequently Paula sat in the parking lot all night long poor Paula.

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