Training
Written communication needs to be clear and direct, suited to its purpose and understood by the intended audience. I have worked with local government, marketing and media departments and publishers training writers and editors to communicate more effectively with their target readership.
A training programme can be delivered in house or at a separate location to small or large groups or to individuals. All training is hands on; all materials are real-life examples. Before delivering a programme, your requirements are fully discussed and a programme produced to meet your needs.
Disciplines covered include:
- Proofreading: use of standard marks, colours, conventions and ways of becoming more accurate and watchful when dealing with proofs.
- Copy-editing: preparation of copy for layout, grammar checking, usage, punctuation, spelling and conformity with house style. Ensuring that the text conveys its message without ambiguity or misunderstanding.
- Grammar: structure of the sentences and parts of speech, appropriate use of tenses and pronouns and common pitfalls such as ‘which’ and ‘that’ and ‘who’ and ‘whom’.
- Punctuation: the basic rules and a common-sense approach to punctuation.
- Cutting copy: a range of techniques to enable clear thinking and decision-making in situations where space is tight and every word seems too precious to jettison.
- Appropriate use of language and vocabulary: how to ensure that you are using the right words and making sense.
A case study
I was approached by Blick Rothenberg accountants to teach 'proofreading' to accountants, and I have developed a training course that I have now been delivering for five years. Read the case study here.
I was surprised by how much I learned, how much basic grammar I didn't know and how relevant the training was for my job. The trainer was willing and able to go over my queries in great detail.
Trainee, Westminster City Council