Learn how to write in plain English so your readers can understand you the first time around.
Learn to understand plain English techniques and how to explain them to your colleagues.
Learn how to recognise when a document is written in plain English.
Customised courses The course can focus on the particular area you choose. For example, you may wish to focus on consumer leaflets, report writing or website content. Your literature Towards the end of the day, we use examples of your own literature to apply the techniques learned during the day.
Each student receives a 50+page workbook
Training testimonials
Health Service Executive
"Up to 180 staff members from HSE Dublin
North East took part in a number of day long courses on ‘How to write
in plain English’. Sheila O Kelly delivered the training. The feedback
from staff was great. They found the course very useful and were very
enthusiastic about putting into practice the very practical tips and
advice that they got from Sheila." – Rosaleen Harlin, HSE Area Communications Manager, Dublin North East
Merck Sharp & Dohme
“We found the plain English training
really useful and we are now reviewing all of our communications
materials for patients. It involves thinking a little differently about
how we communicate and it makes a lot of sense. The one day training
course was definitely worthwhile." – Jennifer Jennings, Public Affairs Manager, Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland, (Human Health) Ltd
using the active voice – take responsibility for what you say;
shortening sentences;
avoiding unnecessary jargon;
using everyday words and phrases;
using lists and bullet points;
using punctuation to improve clarity;
writing reports, pressreleases, letters and forms;
using exercises to learn technique.
Typical timetable
10.00 Introduction to plain English 10.15 Writing styles – before and after plain English. 10.30 How can plain English help your communications? 10.45 How can we use plain English? 11.00 Break. 11.15-12.00 Using the active voice – take responsibility for what you say. 12.00 Shortening sentences. Jargon. Acronyms. Using everyday words and phrases. Using lists and bullet points. 13.00-14.00 Lunch 14.00 Punctuation. 14.30 Letters and forms. 15.00 Break. 15.00-16.30 We use the students’ own documents to apply the techniques learned during the day.
'Going forward, the details of a plain English course as it is envisaged by the company, will be formulated giving due consideration to company policy and be implemented in due course along the lines outlined by the training specification document that was issued previously by that department. An initial course has been scheduled to follow soon after the Christmas vacation period, all things permitting and keeping in mind the synergy of the different departments. Any person, or persons, who are interested in a placement on the said course, should contact the relevant person in the department.'
After
'The training department has recommended a plain English course. The first course will be held on January 7th. If you are interested in taking part on this one-day course please contact Ian Smith on extension 123.'
