Achieving Excellence
in Written Expression
--12 Classes--

Designed and Taught at Wilder Center for Communities 2002-2004
Available upon request, singly or in logical groupings
Beth E. Waterhouse

A - Ways of Seeing and Developing the Written Voice - exercises for finding and practicing the written voice that we each "own". Avoiding dry, academic voice or overuse of jargon. Stimulating a creative voice in the business setting.

B - Basics of Organizational Writing - getting started - organizing your writing process, what is your personal style at the beginning- common errors in grammar and punctuation. Basics of the editing relationship. A beginning course or useful review.

C - Writing for $uccess - development writing tips - timing is everything - tricks for getting started on proposal writing - motivation - honesty – relationships. This is more a class about the “art” of fundraising than a class teaching proposal style or content.

D - Revision - more in-depth work on revising and editing - raising the tone of a piece - mechanical fixes and editing for style – addressing perfectionism - showing not telling in written expression. A one-page checklist for revision is offered.

E - “Just Tell Me if it Flows”: - addresses coherence and written language flow, examining, in detail, what that is and how to write smoothly. Editing transitions, re-ordering, and avoiding cumbersome shifts in tense, voice, or location.

F - Creative Persuasion: This writing session will “get behind” persuasive writing and reveal ways that words or thoughts can convince a reader. Useful in proposal writing or in the writing of contract letters. So much of what we do is intended to persuade.

G – Writing Dynamic Letters: E-mail has not entirely replaced the business letter. In fact, letters may now carry added weight. Review tips for good letters. Discuss structure and “twelve tips” for good letter-writing. Bring in a business letter.

H – Writing Speeches and Presentations: Class will review steps to creating good power point presentations or writing clear speeches. Reviews four cases for speeches—what to say and what not to say in specific instances. Uses Jack Griffin’s How to Say it Best, 1994.

I – Proofreading: A class for administrative staff about the politics and processes of editing another person’s work. Basics of using a style manual. When and how to edit.

J – Audience and Style: Exploring what it is about style that appeals to each specific audience. How to write naturally and creatively. Addresses cultural sensitivity issues.

K – Conceiving and Outlining a Book-Length Work: Methods of perceiving order, motivation for writing, ways of developing thought. All about how to begin and how to structure a new book project.

L – Journaling: This is a one or two hour session useful in retreats as a way to get groups to either journal more deeply or open to the idea of journal writing. Lots of writing time and ideas, plus facilitation.

All designed as stand-alone, 1.5-hour, small-group sessions.
These classes can be custom-designed for the needs of each staff group or department.