Comments from recent CTR class participants:
You did a great job presenting the information and your Power Point was excellent! I appreciated your feedback on homework assignments - it was thorough and constructive.
It was good that you tailored some of the assignments to our specific office's type of work and documents.
I expected a dry class, but you managed to keep my interest and make it feel worthwhile.
I liked the content and the fact that you varied the class outline to the needs to the class. The emailing assignment is a good one. Very practical.
I loved the visuals in your presentations!
(Comments from anonymous post-course evaluations.)
Workshops and Seminars
Developing good business writing skills will improve the overall effectiveness and productivity of your team in the workplace. In addition to developing and teaching business writing courses for Portland Community College, I offer on-site and intact team workshops and seminars throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Programs include:
- Clear, Concise Communication
- Bottom Line: Writing With Purpose
- Sharp Writing: Cut the Clutter
CLEAR, CONCISE BUSINESS WRITING
This course introduces and develops effective writing skills for producing business documents that have clarity and impact. Content can be customized using your organization’s document structures and scenarios.
Participants learn to:
- Overcome writing anxiety and gain confidence in their business writing abilities.
- Improve basic writing skills (e.g., grammar, spelling, and sentence structure).
- Write clear, concise sentences.
- Organize ideas quickly and effectively.
- Understand the writing and revision process.
- Objectively evaluate and edit their own writing and that of others.
Course Text: Business Writing: What Works, What Won’t, Revised Edition, by Wilma Davidson, Ed. D. (St. Martin's Griffin) 2001
BOTTOM LINE: WRITING WITH PURPOSE
Summarizing your major points at the onset - Bottom Lining - is the single most effective way to organize your business communications. Participants in this seminar will learn how to clearly identify the purpose of their writing, and gain practical techniques for writing bottom line statements that are clear, powerful, and persuasive.
SHARP WRITING: CUT THE CLUTTER
Business writing is often muddled with unnecessary words. This two-hour workshop teaches participants to effectively cut the clutter from their writing and get to the point - increasing their productivity, improving their job performance, and enhancing the efficiency of your organization.
BUSINESS WRITING TOOLBOX
Not only do participants receive the right tools at this workshop, but they also learn how to use them like an expert. The Toolbox is full of resources that help every step of the way - from getting a project started to editing the final draft. Workshop participants receive a portfolio that includes:
- A 10-point Writer's Toolbox
- A comprehensive editing and proofreading checklist
- A Grammar Quick-Reference, including a laminated "Comma Card"
EMAIL ETIQUETTE
This fast-paced, interactive workshop focuses on writing effective email and following email etiquette. Participants learn to:
- Write clear, concise emails
- Communicate in a courteous, professional manner
- Organize information to meet readers’ needs
- Follow the rules of email etiquette
