Why invest in writing training for your team?
Do you dread reading your teams' reports and emails? Do you ask yourself why their reports are unclear and lack meaningful recommendations? Do you despair at them ever ending their love affair with cliches, jargon, empty language and long-windedness?
Jeff Bernoff, author of Writing Without Bullshit, states that poor writing costs US businesses about $4 billion every year.
Make no mistake: Poor writing costs New Zealand businesses too. I developed Writing for Results to do something about that.
Jeff Bernoff, author of Writing Without Bullshit, states that poor writing costs US businesses about $4 billion every year.
Make no mistake: Poor writing costs New Zealand businesses too. I developed Writing for Results to do something about that.
Writing training that makes a real difference.
The writing training you and I received at school or university doesn't work. Most of us were trained to write to a minimum word count - which encourages wordiness - and to use obscure language instead of speaking simply and clearly.
Sadly, most business writing training fails to address this. If it did, you wouldn't be pulling your hair out over the poor quality of your team's work.
In 2011, I developed a new approach to writing training. Rather than teach people a list of rules, I set out to empower people to discover for themselves the power of being direct and clear.
The results were startling. Every person who attended the course reported two things:
1. They began completing their writing projects in much less time.
2. Their writing was noticeably clearer to them, their managers and their clients.
Since then, I’ve trained over 1,000 people in different countries, and from almost every industry, using this approach.
Sadly, most business writing training fails to address this. If it did, you wouldn't be pulling your hair out over the poor quality of your team's work.
In 2011, I developed a new approach to writing training. Rather than teach people a list of rules, I set out to empower people to discover for themselves the power of being direct and clear.
The results were startling. Every person who attended the course reported two things:
1. They began completing their writing projects in much less time.
2. Their writing was noticeably clearer to them, their managers and their clients.
Since then, I’ve trained over 1,000 people in different countries, and from almost every industry, using this approach.
How it works.
Writing for Results is built on the principle that people rarely remember rules, but never forget what they have discovered for themselves.
Most training avoids this approach because it's hard to deliver. It requires listening keenly to what each person says and responding in a way that makes a difference to that person.
The training can be customised to deliver the results that will make the biggest difference to your team. This simple three-step process ensures you get the results you want.
Most training avoids this approach because it's hard to deliver. It requires listening keenly to what each person says and responding in a way that makes a difference to that person.
The training can be customised to deliver the results that will make the biggest difference to your team. This simple three-step process ensures you get the results you want.
Writing training delivers real results.
The quality of your team's writing and their proficiency in getting their work done have a massive impact on your organisation. Which of these benefits would make the biggest difference to you?
Investment.
What people say.
Productivity.
We came to you wanting to reduce the time it took to write our reports, while also improving quality and clarity. We’ve achieved both in a surprisingly short time, and to an even greater extent than I had hoped for. Rob Marshall, Head of Risk & Assurance, Spark |
Driving action.
The improvements are noticeable from day one! Not only are our reports shorter but the key messages are succinct, enabling quality discussions and driving action. Christine Young, Chief Audit & Assurance Officer, Kiwibank |
Winning business.
I'm successfully using your course as a critical "weapon" to help us win new business through clear, succinct and compelling proposals. Cam Murchison, Managing Partner, Harvey Cameron |
FAQs
Can the course be customised?
Yes, I offer customisation at no extra cost.
Are there any extra costs, such as travel and accommodation?
No. I cover all costs other than venue and refreshments if the course is held in house.
What do we need to provide?
If the training is in house (at your place or a venue you provide), we'll need a quiet classroom setting with whiteboard and data projector. You'll also be responsible for refreshments throughout the day, and ensuring meals are either provided or easily accessible (from a nearby cafeteria, for example).
If the training is by Zoom, each participant will need a reliable internet connection, computer with camera and mic, and a quiet place with minimal disruption.
Do you provide follow up support?
Yes. Every participant will receive a series of weekly follow up emails with pointers on different aspects of writing. Each participant will also receive a certificate of completion following the training.
What are the key benefits?
Can you guarantee this training works?
In nine years no one has yet said the course did not work for them. Feedback, both formal and informal, is universally positive.
ONE ON ONE TRAINING
Will the training work for me?
Yes. I'll see to it that it does.
What if I need more than 4 sessions?
While uncommon, that can happen. In that case, we can organise week-by-week sessions until you're satisfied you've achieved what you wanted.
Do I get any training material for the 4 sessions?
There's no formal training material, as the training is personalised to you. However, we will send you notes after each session, summarising the work we did and the coaching provided. You'll also receive any supporting material that I think will add value to that session.
Is your question not answered here? Email me for a quick reply.
Yes, I offer customisation at no extra cost.
Are there any extra costs, such as travel and accommodation?
No. I cover all costs other than venue and refreshments if the course is held in house.
What do we need to provide?
If the training is in house (at your place or a venue you provide), we'll need a quiet classroom setting with whiteboard and data projector. You'll also be responsible for refreshments throughout the day, and ensuring meals are either provided or easily accessible (from a nearby cafeteria, for example).
If the training is by Zoom, each participant will need a reliable internet connection, computer with camera and mic, and a quiet place with minimal disruption.
Do you provide follow up support?
Yes. Every participant will receive a series of weekly follow up emails with pointers on different aspects of writing. Each participant will also receive a certificate of completion following the training.
What are the key benefits?
- People become much more productive, often completing writing tasks in half the time they used to.
- Their writing will become clearer.
- People in sales or similar roles will succeed more from their written proposals.
- People reporting to a board or senior management will receive fewer queries and pushbacks.
- Managers of a team will receive fewer pushbacks.
Can you guarantee this training works?
In nine years no one has yet said the course did not work for them. Feedback, both formal and informal, is universally positive.
ONE ON ONE TRAINING
Will the training work for me?
Yes. I'll see to it that it does.
What if I need more than 4 sessions?
While uncommon, that can happen. In that case, we can organise week-by-week sessions until you're satisfied you've achieved what you wanted.
Do I get any training material for the 4 sessions?
There's no formal training material, as the training is personalised to you. However, we will send you notes after each session, summarising the work we did and the coaching provided. You'll also receive any supporting material that I think will add value to that session.
Is your question not answered here? Email me for a quick reply.