Persuasive Writing
Do your writing skills set you up for success?
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 need to be able to communicate complex issues clearly and with influence. You must be able to use words, structure, flow and more to deliver compelling arguments and convincing information that people will want to read.
This masterclass will help you to make the most of your existing skills and practise new ones. It will also offer tips and techniques to make your writing easier, faster and more effective.
Refine your skills, so your writing stands out, for all the right reasons. Attend this 1-day intensive masterclass and give yourself and your readers the gift of effective written communication.
Learn how to:
plan before you write
clarify what you are aiming for when you are writing
write for different audiences
recognise good writing and avoid common problems
be clearer and more concise
use structure to make it easier for your
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.
Learn how to
- use templates to save time and effort
- work within the approval chain
- write persuasively & improve the flow of your writing
- save time when writing (and avoid multiple rewrites)
- write about technical subjects to non-technical audiences
- use active voice – to help both you and your reader
- write executive summaries
- address specific grammar and punctuation issues
- develop your attention to detail & continue to improve.
Who will attend?
This is a one-day masterclass for public servants who want to improve their public sector writing skills. Attendees can be from any level and from federal, state or local government.
Agenda
The process will include whole-group discussions as well as a lot of individual and group activities.
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.
All times shown are AEST
Acknowledgement of Country and introduction
Participant introduction
Knowing what to aim for
- Understanding what makes writing good
- Writing for different audiences
- Clarifying 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
‘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
Cliftons Brisbane
24/288 Edward Street, Brisbane City, QLD, 4000
Pricing
Early bird savings until 22 September
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Early bird pricing
Save $500
Early bird savings until 13 October
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Early bird pricing
Save $300
Early bird savings until 27 October
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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
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