Tailored training in scientific and technical writing, presentations, and team building for laboratories and technical organizations

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Writing by Design™: Instruction Documents

Course summary

Writing to Instruct provides strategies and techniques to design, develop, revise, and maintain important functional documents, such as policies, procedures, and training manuals. You will use Writing by Design™ principles and a wealth of templates, patterns, and checklists to simplify document creation. You will also learn how to translate subject matter expertise into terms your readers can understand.

Who should take the course?

Subject matter experts, technical writers and editors, and performance technologists.

What will I learn?

You'll learn how to . . .

Produce reader-centered documents.
Manage writing teams.

Simplify manual creation with the Pyramid Paradigm™, Templates, Patterns, and Building Blocks.
Create job aids that increase the practical value of any instruction document.
Use instruction graphics effectively.
Format attractive, usable documents readers can navigate with ease.

Edit for clarity, consistency, and global style.
Streamline editing and reviewing.
Maintain manuals efficiently.

How will I learn?

This hands-on workshop features presentation, discussion, individual and small-group exercises. You'll apply what you learn to your own documents.

How long does the training last?

Two or 3 full days, depending on your needs.

What materials do I get?

You will receive a substantial training manual and other materials— plus many extras at the course's Web site.

Who teaches the class?

Your instructor will be an engaging, highly rated teacher, with an advanced degree and many years' professional experience as a technical writer.

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Read what our participants have to say:

"Before taking this class, I felt overwhelmed by my project. Now I can't wait to apply what I've learned!"

"Wish I'd taken this class years years ago!"

"Useful and enjoyable."

"Well done. Good guidance in a difficult subject. This material and
process will be very helpful."

"I really appreciate the Building Blocks. They cut a big job down to size."

"The PowerEditing™ techniques are really handy and will save me time."

"The time went by so quickly. All activities were very well prepared."

"The manual will be a valuable resource in the months to come."

"The instructor was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable."