Learning objectives

By the end of the workshop, your group will be able to create reader-focused documents that

1. show their audience they understand their needs with the "you" approach to writing
2. clarify action requests, next steps, deadlines, and other commitments
3. are logically sequenced with a strategically placed bottom line
4. are designed for visual impact
5. use the appropriate style and tone
6. are free from errors and jargon.

Measurement: proving learners achieve objectives

We measure improvement and learning with the Document Analysis and Rating Tool^TM and Kirkpatrick level ratings. Measurement quantifies productivity and document-quality gains and helps learners stay on track.

Document Analysis and Rating Tool
Kirkpatrick Level Ratings

Quality measurement with the Document Analysis and Rating Tool (DART)^TM
(Not introduced in short workshops.)

After workshops, customers receive a Results Report that summarizes learners' quality-improvement scores based on our innovative DART.

Use the DART to assess document quality

The DART sets a standard of 10 attributes of Reader-Centered Writing®. Learners are urged to use this tool themselves after the workshop to keep their documents on track. Additionally, the DART is an objective standard that managers can use to coach their people and build a constructive atmosphere.

The DART measures learners' improvement

With the DART, we can quantify improvement in document quality. Your Results Report summarizes the "before" and "after" DART quality scores for each learner. Typically, learners double the quality of their documents based on the 10 attributes of Reader-Centered Writing.

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Kirkpatrick level ratings

We can evaluate our workshops using all four rating levels established by Donald Kirkpatrick. His method is the most widely used to evaluate training programs. We measure Level 1 and 2 for every workshop. At our customers' request, we can measure Level 3 and Level 4 (formal ROI).

1. Level 1: Learner (customer) satisfaction. Level 1 is measured by asking, listening, or using evaluation forms at the conclusion of a course to determine how well learners felt the environment supported their learning. The learners' responses provide immediate feedback on their reactions.

   How we measure Level 1

   Learners complete workshop evaluations. Graduates consistently give our workshop top ratings.

2. Level 2: Evidence of learning. Level 2 measures the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that learners have understood, absorbed, and attained in a specific course.

   How we measure Level 2

   We quantify document quality improvement by comparing "before" and "after" workshop documents using the Document Analysis and Rating Tool^TM and the 10 attributes of Reader-Centered Writing®. Our graduates' documents typically double in quality, and graduates can use their improved on-the-job documents immediately in daily work.

3. Level 3: On-the-job transfer of learning. Level 3 measures how well learners transfer the knowledge and skills they learned into actual workplace performance.

   How we measure Level 3

   We have conducted surveys that prove that graduates' customers and colleagues comment on the difference when comparing their "before" and "after" on-the-job documents. The new documents serve as inspiring models and can lead to the development of a common culture of communications. When surveyed, graduates say they prefer documents written in the Write to the Top® style. Readers estimate a 50% time savings-Write to the Top documents communicate twice as quickly.

4. Level 4: The impact on the business. Level 4 emphasizes bottom-line results: the contributions of training to the organization as a whole.

   How we measure Level 4

   We can measure productivity increases three to six months following the workshop. Our graduates' advances in writing productivity impact their companies with long-term results:

   • Over 70% of our workshop graduates cut writing time up to 50% .
   • ROI: our customers' advances in writing productivity are giving them a five-to-tenfold return on their training investment.

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