Reader-Centered Technical Writing™

Virtual and in-person delivery available

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Quality writing drives action and productivity
Reader-Centered Writing® helps set standards for top quality writing. This ensures clear, direct, and effective written communication. Learners will

  • increase quality: our innovative assessment tools show that learners double the quality of their documents.
  • increase speed: writers show a 30% to 50% gain in writing productivity--and readers estimate reading documents in half the time

The focus: clear, concise technical documents with a message
Learners use the Six Steps to plan, draft, and edit an on-the-job document. After the program, learners will be able to

write for mixed audiences
  • choose content and the right amount of detail
  • analyze and explain complex data
  • use terms, abbreviations, and acronyms effectively

influence their readers
  • adopt the "you" attitude
  • organize and transition ideas effectively
  • present convincing problem analyses

streamline their messages
  • communicate findings and "so whats" concisely
  • clarify technical jargon
  • use powerful charts, graphs, and other visual aids

write for results
  • edit for impact using checklists and quality tools
  • write straightforward action steps and requests
  • position conclusions and recommendations strategically
  • proofread accurately and check for logic

Blended learning and tools support ongoing development
Our standard program includes

  1. Individual coaching and Personal Learning Plan
  2. The Document Analysis and Rating Tool (DART) to guide editing and measure quality
  3. Better Communications' workbook
  4. Books: Write to the Top®: Writing for Corporate Success (Random House) and The Instant-Answer Guide to Business Writing (iUniverse), by Deborah Dumaine, founder of Better Communications®
  5. Job aids: The Six Steps to Reader-Centered Writing and the Focus SheetTM
  6. Reinforcement by E-mailTM-- 24 content-rich messages reviewing key tools and concepts (optional)
  7. Document LifelineTM -- just-in-time coaching by e-mail (optional).