Writing with Clarity & Impact for Government Seminar
Reading between the lines
Learn the art of writing clear, impactful content that engages your audience
Do you want to become a more skillful and confident writer at work? 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.
Crafting effective writing requires regular, deliberate practice. Attending this seminar will set you up for success with your writing and readability skills.
Megan’s experience working with and for the 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.
Your event experience
Master modern style trends that move beyond outdated writing rules
Workshop your own work in a hands-on editing session with an experienced trainer
Get instant expert feedback during the dedicated Q&A segment
Learn through active practice rather than just watching a screen
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 several 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 various 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.
Attend & learn
Write clear content using simple words and short sentences
Master modern punctuation to ensure your meaning is never lost
Boost accessibility by avoiding jargon and complex legal language
Fix common grammar errors that undermine your professional image
Edit your own work using practical proofreading techniques
Improve readability through effective formatting and white space
Who will attend?
The ideal course participant works in the public sector and who seeks 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
Please note that this course is not for advanced or experienced writers. It is designed to support those who wish to improve their basic writing skills or to refresh their knowledge.
Agenda
Times will be shown in AEST
Acknowledgement of Country & Opening remarks
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!
Short break
Avoiding common grammatical mistakes
- Grammar: Avoiding common mistakes and discussing the most prevalent grammatical errors
How to edit & proofread
During this section of the seminar, attendees will actively proofread samples of their work (selected before the seminar) and assess opportunities for improvement. Please note – samples will remain private to each participant.
- Editing and proofreading: Refine text for accuracy and flow
- Understanding readability: Improve clarity for all audiences
- Using ‘Word’ to keep you on track: Maximise features for efficient proofreading
Questions
Close of Seminar
Pricing
Save until 19 June
+GST
Early bird pricing
Save $200
Save until 10 July
+GST
Early bird pricing
Save $100
Standard Rate
+GST
Price after early bird savings
Bring your colleagues and save with a group discount!
Groups of 10+ save 10%
Groups of 20+ save 20%
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