Writing with Clarity and Impact
Reading between the lines – learn the art of writing clear impactful content that engages your audience
The importance of writing well cannot be overstated. Words, and how we arrange and use them, affects how our audience ‘hears’ and ‘perceives’ us. Effective writing conveys your message or information with 100% clarity to your audience. In good writing, everything makes sense and readers don’t get lost. This means spelling and punctuating properly, as well as knowing what words to use and the order in which to use them.
Crafting effective writing requires regular, deliberate practice. Attending this short online seminar will set you up for success with your writing and readability skills. Megan’s experience working with and for government gives her the practical insight required to teach and train you to write in a way that will allow well-informed decision-making and provide better quality information to decision makers.
Megan Hender
Founder, Megan Hender Consulting
Megan is an experienced non-executive Director with a strong interest in strategy, governance, risk and communication. She serves on a number of boards and committees including as chairperson. In 2010 she was elected as a Councillor at the City of Adelaide, where she served two terms, including 18 months as Deputy Lord Mayor. A lawyer by training, Megan has worked as a solicitor, a university lecturer, a General Manager and a Chief Executive Officer. Since 2002 she has run her own management consulting business, Megan Hender Consulting, working with a wide variety of public and private sector organisations.
Megan Hender
Megan is an experienced non-executive Director with a strong interest in strategy, governance, risk and communication. She serves on a number of boards and committees including as chairperson.
In 2010 she was elected as a Councillor at the City of Adelaide, where she served two terms, including 18 months as Deputy Lord Mayor.
A lawyer by training, Megan has worked as a solicitor, a university lecturer, a General Manager and a Chief Executive Officer. Since 2002 she has run her own management consulting business, Megan Hender Consulting, working with a wide variety of public and private sector organisations.
Megan is also an accredited coach and experienced mentor – providing support and encouragement to senior executives and others as they navigate their careers and build their businesses.
In addition, Megan is a highly regarded presenter and facilitator. She is a member of, and has regularly presented at, the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has developed and presented workshops for professionals (lawyers, doctors, company directors and others) for over 20 years.
Learn how to
understand the function of words, phrases and clauses
use plain language that is accessible and readable
understand how formatting impacts the reader experience
correctly use the punctuation mark
avoid common grammatical errors
write with consistency and in accordance with conventions
confidently proofread and edit documents
write strong sentences and paragraphs, using words selected for accuracy and impact
Agenda
This program is interactive and practical. You will have the opportunity to practice, discern and analyse examples of your own work during the seminar (examples will be confidential to the attendee and not shared openly with the group).
All times shown are in AEST
Seminar opens
Welcome remarks & virtual learning tips
Using Plain Language
- Plain language: Choosing simple words, using short sentences, avoiding jargon, using active language, using positive language, avoiding ‘throat clearing’ phrases
- Accessibility and writing: Being careful with gender, avoiding nominalisation, ensuring writing is accessible, sensitive, and appropriate
- Less is more: Avoiding using phrases when one word will do
- Being concise and clear
- Active versus passive use of language
Why Formatting Matters
- The choices of format: Using white space, understanding paragraphs, using topic sentences, choosing fonts, using headings, numbering, bullet points, etc
Short break
The Dos & Don’ts of Punctuation
- Modern punctuation: The history of punctuation, the purpose and use of each punctuation mark
- Just one exclamation mark will do!
Avoiding Common Grammatical Mistakes
- Grammar: Avoiding common mistakes
How to Edit & Proofread
During this section of the seminar, attendees will actively proofread samples of their own work (selected prior to the seminar) and assess opportunities for improvement. Please note – samples will remain private to each participant.
- Editing and proofreading: how to do each, and what is the difference?
- Understanding readability
- Using ‘Word’ to keep you on track
Questions & discussion
Close of Seminar
The course is ideal for professionals who seek to:
- develop and strengthen their writing for the public sector environment
- write simply, clearly and effectively at work
- understand the function of words, phrases, clauses and grammar
- deliver better quality information to decision makers through clear writing
- better advise staff or team members on how to improve written communication
- improve the clarity and impact of their current writing
- improve the readability and comprehension of their writing
- are involved with writing or contributing to formal documents, briefs, memos, internal and external communications, speeches or reviews.
Pricing
Purchase your seminar ticket
+GST
This pass will give you access to the online seminar
Bring your colleagues and save with a group discount
- Groups of 10+ save 10%
- Groups of 20+ save 20%
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