Government Writing Training
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In Plain English: Government Writing Made Easy
Available Formats
Program Overview
Unfortunately government is notorious for convoluted, clunky, and downright confusing writing. This plain language training program is designed to help participants develop basic skills for trimming wordiness and communicating clearly in writing within a government environment.
Program Objectives
At this program's conclusion, participants should be able to:
- Explain the five Cs of writing.
- Ensure their writing meets basic grammatical standards, including issues of word agreement, sentence construction, proper spelling, and punctuation.
- Differentiate between the active and passive voice.
- Write better business letters, reports, memos, and emails.
The following outline highlights some of the course's key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).
Course Outline
Why Write?: What We Really Want to Know
This segment of plain language training will help participants identify the value of writing, when they should do it, and when they should choose another communication method.
The Fundamentals: The First Four Cs
During this portion of the program, participants will explore four elements of good writing: clarity, conciseness, completeness, and correctness. Participants will practice each C in writing exercises.
Getting Along Together: Word Agreement
During this section of the course, participants will explore word agreement and the importance of parallel structure.
Assigning Ownership: The Active Voice
Most people prefer to read writing that is in the active voice because it promotes conciseness and clarity. We will discuss and practice writing in the active voice during this segment and consider specific instances when using the passive voice is preferable.
The Other Element: The Fifth C
Courtesy is an important principle of good government writing. During this session, participants will examine and rank several government letters in order to help them identify writers' choices and readers' preferences.
Wordiness Be Gone: Plain Language
It is important to use words that best reflect what you are trying to say. In this session, we will examine some common dilemmas (such as "persons" versus "people" and "individuals" versus "anyone") and suggest solutions that will help eliminate wordiness.
Getting Down to Nuts and Bolts: Punctuation
During this segment, participants will review the basics of punctuation and have the opportunity to clear up any persistent uncertainty about when to use constant marks.
Making This Real: Writing Business Letters, Reports, and Emails
In this portion of the program, we will create, evaluate, and edit work-specific documents. This segment can be expanded or shortened depending on the needs and desires of the group.
Being Accurate: Spelling and Proofreading
Proofreading carelessly can spoil a writer's best efforts. This session will help participants identify common spelling errors and practice their proofreading skills.
Getting It to Stick: Overcoming Writing Challenges
As a closing exercise, participants will work in small groups to identify their biggest challenges and consider some possible solutions they will implement in subsequent workplace writing tasks.
At the program's conclusion, participants will have an understanding of plain English and its importance in writing for government. They will also be aware of the most common writing errors that sabotage communication and know how to eliminate these from their own writing.
TRAINING . COURSE . CLASS . WORKSHOP . SEMINAR . PROGRAM
This outline adapted under license
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