Proofreading & Editing Techniques for Executives & Managers

Writing is so much a part of our work life that we often take it for granted, but when not properly done, it can reflect negatively on us and our organisations. Many of our writing errors can be remedied if we exercise greater care in our writing process, particularly in reviewing and revising our writing. This course will equip participants with the tools and skills to do just that.

After the workshop, you will be able to:

• improve your writing and others’
• ensure that everything you write is easy to read, concise and consistent
• make your writing mistake-free
• project a more professional image

Outline

• Introduction – Workshop Objectives
  – Share your writing challenges: types of writing you need to do, when you need to vet someone else’s writing
• Understanding the Communication Process
  – Communication as a cyclical process
  – Communication exists in an environment
  – Communication is made up of Vocal, Visual and Verbal
  – Limitations of writing as a means of communication
  – Developing a Voice & Tone to compensate
• Understanding the Writing Process
  – Writing involves 3 components: Invent, Compose, Revise
• The Importance of Review & Revision
  – The importance of reviewing
  – Review – organisation of ideas, structure, coherence, flow
  – Proofread – spelling, punctuation, grammar, vocabulary
  – Vetting checklist
• What to Look Out For: Structure & Style
  – Types of writing: e-mails to public, letters informing public, reports & proposal, minutes of the meeting
  – Structure & Style for different types of writing
  – Practice: how to structure different types of writing and correct the Voice & Tone of different types of writing
• What to Look Out For: Principles of Clear Writing
  – How to write good sentences
     * 7 things a sentence needs to be
     * 4 ways to achieve that
     * 2 ways to soften tone
  – Paragraphing & linking words
  – What to look out for in Grammar
     * Tenses and their uses
     * Prepositions and their pitfalls
  – Vocabulary
     * Positive words and phrases
  – Practice: exercises for participants to practise principles learnt
• Reflection & Application