About Tim Albert Training

Date of next open course:
1 December 2006

What people have said about this course

'An innovative and refreshing approach.'

'Writing effectively involves a series of steps... These can be taught and learnt like any other skills.'

'Very useful and great fun. WIll help greatly back at work.'

'I now know how to structure my writing and am aware of techniques of improving readability.'

'More than expected - I became enthusiastic about writing.'

Write effectively and with confidence

We spend huge amounts of time writing - often not knowing whether we are doing it well or not. The purpose of our one-day course, Effective writing, is to show you how writing works - and how changes in knowledge and technique can have a major impact.

By the end of the session you will have…

clear guidelines for measuring the success of a piece of writing;
easy-to-follow principles on how and when to change style and structure to meet the requirements of different audiences;
simple planning techniques that will reduce writer's block;
a simple writing technique that will save time, reduce boredom and increase creativity;
a logical way of approaching the rewriting process, including some objective tests you can use on your draft;
a sensible strategy for making the best use of comments from colleagues - and bosses;
the skills and confidence to use plain English - where appropriate.

Who should - and should not - attend
The course is suitable for those who are writing a wide range of material (such as academic papers, e-mails, business reports and public information) - and believe that they could do it more efficiently.

The course is not suitable for those who spend little time originating written material, who want a course on grammar and style, or who are happy with the way they write.

What the course will cost
The current cost for a single place on an open course is £175 (plus VAT). This includes tuition, a course book, coffee and tea. Lunch is not included. The next open courses will be held at BMA House in London on 1 December 2006. We have applied for CPD/CME approval.

Effective writing: programme

9.30

Introduction: participants, tutors and the course; discussion of needs and individual goals.

10.15

Understanding the writing process: a reader-centred model that can be applied to all types of writing; recognising when writing succeeds - and fails.

10.45

Coffee

11.00

The process of writing: (1) Setting the brief: how to ensure clarity by inserting this vital - and usually overlooked - first stage.

11.45

(2) Organising the information: how to use the latest brain-storming techniques to control the mass of information available, and reduce the likelihood of major omissions.

12.15

(3) Writing a plan: three basic structures; the main principles of making a workable plan.

1.00

Lunch break

2.00

(4) Writing: reducing writer's block, saving time and maximising creativity.

2.30

(5) Rewriting: how to manage this vital process by applying two broad lines of questioning; some simple objective tests; managing criticism.

3.00

Tea

3.15

Style: definition of a good writing style; five easy-to-apply guidelines for achieving it; knowing when to ignore the rules.

4.15

Questions, action plans, evaluation

4.30

End of course.

This is a practical course, with plenty of time for discussion and exercises. Participants are asked to bring some examples of their work with them.

For further information on public courses, go to open.

For further information on group courses, go to in-house.

For answers to questions on writing, go to ask questions.

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