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The Art of Writing Well (G037)

Workshops > Government > Complete List > Writing Briefing Notes for Results

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

A good writing style is a key element in a successful career, be it in the public or private sector. At some stage, everyone is required to produce at least some of: reports, memos, decks, briefing notes, communications plans, memoranda to cabinet and, of course, e-mails. This workshop reminds participants of the components essential to writing well and provides a wide range of exercises that allow for refreshing and practicing those skills.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

How to develop and maintain an effective writing style
How to write concise prose
How to organize material in the writing process
How to present material in an attractive, easy-to-read fashion.

WHAT WILL YOU TAKE AWAY?

A workbook with presentation details
Exercise hand-outs

Agenda Day 1
8:45 - 8:50 AM	Participant Introductions and Workshop Overview
8:50 - 9:30 AM	Writing: Why Bother? Instructor-led analysis of what makes for and the key components of good writing – and why taking the trouble to write well pays off. Exercise
9:30 - 10:00 AM	Style, Tone and the Elements of a Readable Sentence. What do we mean by style and tone when writing? What do these comprise? What makes for a readable as opposed to an unreadable sentence? Exercise
10:00 - 10:30 AM	Break
10:45 - 12:00 PM	Practicing the Skills: Getting Down to the Essentials Précis writing provides training in writing well. How to write a précis using a five step process. Dealing with length: tips on shortening. Exercise
12:00 - 1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 1:45 PM	Practicing the Skills: “Writing short” What is “writing short” and how can we consistently practice it? Instructor-led discussion. Exercise
1:45 - 3:15 PM	Writing those Government Documents Looking at the challenges of and tips for writing such government documents as briefing notes, Memoranda to Cabinet, Question Period notes, decks/power point presentations and media lines. Presentation and instructor-led discussion
3:15 - 4:15 PM	Exercise Writing one of the government documents discussed.
4:15 - 4:30 PM	Wrap-Up and Workshop Evaluation.

Instructor

Barbara Campbell

Barbara Campbell is a communications executive with wide federal government experience, including as a Director General in several departments and in policy at the Privy Council Office

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