THE TRAINING METHODS

Though writing instruction has changed dramatically in the last decade, most adult learners have been left out of the loop. The Writer's Toolkit and Writing Effective E-Mail bridge this gap:

	Participants learn planning techniques to start and complete writing tasks efficiently.
	Through intense skill development, participants make writing decisions more effectively.
	Participants develop a strategy for editing and revising, ensuring documents are accurate, reader-friendly, and credible.

This approach reduces the time and frustration it takes to produce quality writing: participants have more energy and confidence. Some participants enter the training feeling sensitive about their skills. Even those who aren't sensitive may have beliefs that hold them back . . .

No one writes English perfectly.  The training acknowledges this and helps participants understand that mistakes are a vital part of learning. Here are some principles the training incorporates:

	Grammar should be learned in context.  Learning grammar is more meaningful when integrated with writing. Improving grammar and punctuation skills eliminates common mistakes such as run-on sentences and fragments.
	Writing is a process, not a product.  Focusing on the process means starting and completing writing tasks with less frustration and anxiety. As a result, the product is better too.
	Good writing is simple, clear, and concise.  Being long-winded and using complicated four-syllable words overloads the reader. The reader is your client: serve your client by simplifying your message.
	Style relates to structure.  Taking control of style means using the active voice, getting rid of empty words and redundancies, using uncomplicated language, and employing strategies to make the message easy for the reader to decode.

Each program builds a strong foundation in structure and style. Through intense skill development, writers eliminate common mistakes as they learn how to produce writing that is simple, clear, and concise.