Persuasive Writing Masterclass Canberra
All writing should be clear, concise, and correct.
Good quality public sector writing should also be professional, persuasive, and polished. Public sector writing can be challenging and time-consuming. You have to contend with different audiences, rigid deadlines, and complex topics.
While the basic skills of good writing are critical, you need more to meet the demands of more involved government communication. You need to be able to present every case confidently and well, regardless of who you are writing to or what you are writing about. You must be able to use words, structure, flow, and more to deliver compelling arguments and convincing information that people will want to read.
It is about using writing to communicate complex issues clearly and with influence.
This masterclass will help you to make the most of your existing skills and practice new ones. It will also offer tips and techniques to make your writing easier, faster, and more effective.
Register and refine your skills, so your writing stands out, for all the right reasons.
Bev Sullivan
Owner, Credence Consulting
Bev has decades of experience in running written communication workshops for public servants at all levels and from all tiers of government. Her specialty is helping people to use (and tweak) their existing skills and experience to make writing less of a chore and deliver better results.
With an extensive background in government, education and communication, she is very familiar with the challenges involved in producing excellent public sector writing.
Bev Sullivan
Bev has decades of experience in running written communication workshops for public servants at all levels and from all tiers of government. Her specialty is helping people to use (and tweak) their existing skills and experience to make writing less of a chore and deliver better results.
With an extensive background in government, education and communication, she is very familiar with the challenges involved in producing excellent public sector writing.
Bev has been an English teacher, a trainer, manager and director in the public service, as well as a consultant, presenter and editor. Most days, if she isn’t training, coaching or editing for one government agency, she’s writing something for another.
She is frequently asked to coach managers, professional staff and executives – on writing, communicating, presenting, and leading, and she is also in demand as a public speaker.
What’s new in 2025?
The process will include whole-group discussions as well as a lot of individual and group activities.
Note: Participants are recommended to submit a short example of their writing in advance so that the facilitator can tailor the content to meet requirements. You will also have the opportunity to practice, discern and analyse examples of your work during the masterclass.
By the end of this masterclass, you will know how to:
- Plan before you write and clarify what you are aiming for when you are writing
- Write for different audiences and use active voice – to help both you and your reader
- Recognise good writing and avoid common problems
- Be clearer and more concise and use templates to save time and effort
- Use structure to make it easier for your readers to understand your argument
- Write persuasively and improve the flow of your writing
- Save time when writing (and avoid multiple rewrites)
- Write about technical subjects to non-technical audiences
- Write executive summaries
- Address specific grammar and punctuation issues and develop your attention to detail
Who will attend?
This is a one-day workshop for public servants who want to improve their public sector writing skills. Attendees can be working in any agency, at any level of seniority, and will want to learn how to develop stronger writing skills.
Agenda
‘Your writing says a lot about you. It shows how organised you are, how thorough you are, and how skilled you are at presenting a case your readers will find clear, interesting and convincing. Every piece of writing you do gives you the chance to contribute to the objectives of your organisation – and gives you a chance to shine.’
– Bev Sullivan, Owner, Credence Consulting
All times shown in AEDT
Acknowledgement of Country & opening remarks
Participant & facilitator introduction
Knowing what to aim for
- Understanding what makes writing good
- Writing for different audiences
- Considering different types of government writing including ministerial correspondence, briefing notes, parliamentary questions and internal documents
- Working with the approval chain
- Choosing your words
- Writing about technical subjects to non-technical audiences
Morning break
Being clear & concise
- Using a reader-focused structure
- Writing only what is necessary
- Planning to deliver a better product
- Using templates well, to save effort
Lunch break
Writing efficiently & effectively
- Considering your paragraphs and order
- Improving the flow of your writing
- Writing persuasively
- Saving time (and avoiding multiple rewrites)
- Ensuring your writing is complete
Afternoon break
Being accurate
- Developing your attention to detail
- Editing to make sure your document will achieve its purpose
- Addressing specific grammar and punctuation issues
- Practising proofreading tips and techniques
- Continuing to improve
Participant reflections & ongoing improvement
Close of masterclass
Note: We recommend that participants submit a short (no more than one page) example of their writing in advance so the facilitator can tailor the content to suit. You will also have the opportunity to practise and analyse your writing during the masterclass.
Canberra CBD – Venue TBC
Pricing
Early bird savings until 13th December
+GST
Early bird pricing
Save $500
Early bird savings until 17th January
+GST
Early bird pricing
Save $300
Early bird savings until 14th Febuary
+GST
Early bird pricing
Save $200
Early bird savings until 7th March
+GST
Early bird pricing
Save $100
Standard price
+GST
This was a great practical useful course. Language, punctuation and grammar hints necessary in all parts of adult life.”
Clarissa Turner
Principal Organisational Change Officer, Queensland Police Service
This was a well-coordinated, well-delivered professional course with a high calibre presenter.”
Bronwyn Jentz
Operations Coordinator, Trade and Investment Queensland
Very happy with the professionalism and presentation of this course.”
Howard Ellems
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service
This is a great course for anyone new to government or who has been in government for a very long time to learn contemporary writing and plain English so that it is accessible to readers.”
Melissa Landewee
Public Servant
If you write or speak in English, you need this course. Bev is an engaging, hilarious, and knowledgeable teacher born to impart her wisdom to those lucky enough to attend her sessions! If you have the opportunity to attend Bev’s persuasive writing course, you won’t regret it.”
Laura Tenni
Senior Advisor - Community Road Safety, Department of Transport and Main Roads QLD