How to write effective communications

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How to write effective communications

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Monday, April 13, 2015 · 10am - 4pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Simple, effective techniques to make your communications more clear, from emails to appraisals

Have you ever spent twenty minutes writing and rewriting a two-sentence email? Does a familiar subject transform into knots of idea-spaghetti once you try to get it down on paper? Can you confidently explain a complicated proposal in person, but wrack your brains – and nerves – for hours when it comes to putting it into a written report? If you lack confidence in your writing, even something as simple as composing a memo can be a lengthy and exhausting process.

If you don't think you communicate as well as you should, this practical course will introduce you to techniques that will help conquer your literary demons, from first planning a piece to taking on board constructive feedback from colleagues. Whether you find it difficult to get started, get stuck halfway through or just don't know when to stop, this one-day workshop will give you the tools and confidence to write in simple, clear English, edit without dithering and find the fun in writing.

This course is for you if...

  • You write emails or reports as part of your job, and lack confidence in your ability to express yourself clearly
  • You have an important written project coming up and don't want your writing skills to let you down

Course content

This one-day workshop features a variety of exercises designed to equip the nervous, inexpert or inexperienced writer with a communications toolkit, including techniques to write simply and with clarity, and use editing to improve the final results. Topics covered on the day include:

  • Understanding the areas you need to work on to make your writing more effective
  • A simple way to plan that will reduce writer's block
  • A writing technique that will get you going quickly, save time and increase creativity
  • A logical approach to editing
  • Making the best use of comments from colleagues and bosses
  • Understanding the benefits of using plain English

Tutor profile

Olivia Timbs has over 30 years of experience in journalism and publishing, gained from working on national papers, including the Observer, where she was medical correspondent and edited its section on science and technology, and for the specialist health and medical press. Most recently she was editor of The Pharmaceutical Journal. She has won a number of awards and has a wide interest in business, politics and the arts.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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