Creative Training Techniques
One of the most helpful business writing tools I've ever found. After years of struggling to write clear, concise letters and reports, and after taking too many courses to count, I found a program that actually taught me how to write.

Professional Writing Skills breaks down the writing process into easy-to-follow steps that help users get started and figure out what they want to say. . . . The process makes it easy to organize ideas and information into a logical sequence. . . .The practice exercises are great, too. I learned the techniques almost without effort.

The simplicity of the program is another benefit. I could carry the book with me and do the practices on my way to work or even in bed. I also used the book to help tutor two staff members. --

Manager, Bank of America
What a great program! By the time I'd finished the first lesson, I could feel my confidence increase and see the improvement in my writing--and the exercises made learning fun. -

A Trained Thought, July 14, 2003

Professional Writing Skills is a step-by-step self-paced training program to improve business and professional writing skills. It trains you to organize your unclear thoughts and to arrange information in logical units. It guides you to develop your thoughts into a writing plan, and to compose a clear and effective writing plan. The book has numerous exercises. Let that not scare you! Only when you solve the exercises will you realize the common errors that you commit in business and professional writing.

Janis Fisher Chan and Diane Lutovich have trained people in business and professional writing skills. They are an integral part of Advanced Communication Designs, Inc., a training company that specializes in customized training courses in business and technical writing. They have also authored, "Grammar for Grownups", "Writing Performance Documentation", and "How to Write Reports and Proposals".

Business writing is unique by its content, style and purpose. It may include letters and reports to the clients, memos to the employees, request for information, product descriptions and so on. The authors warn, "Errors in grammar, or spelling conveys negative image of the company." Imagine the devastating effects of an incomplete report, misunderstood memo, or confusing information?

The book is neatly divided into six lessons. Each lesson begins with an introduction, an objective and what you need section. The core of each lesson discusses errors in professional writing by quoting a few examples. The authors provide easy to understand and implement guidelines to improve quality of professional writing. At the end of each lesson, extensive practice exercises and writing assignments are furnished.

The first training lesson educates you about effects of unclear communication caused due to ignoring the needs and interests of the audience. You need to decide whether you want to influence or inform the audience. The authors advise, "One of the most important steps you can take to increase the chances of readers getting your message is to look at what you?re writing from the reader?s point of view." A key sentence that expresses your most important message should be incorporated.

The next lesson teaches you to select the information and to organize them logically. Prepare a list of facts and ideas to accomplish the purpose for writing, and group them into key points. A summary sentence for each key point should be written effectively. The lesson also includes guidelines for composing clear and effective email messages.

In the third lesson, the authors guide you to write the first draft. Reviewing and revising your writing plan to overcome inconsistencies, and eliminating unnecessary information are discussed. An effective opening, simple and direct language always attracts the audience. Above all, writing becomes more readable when thoughts are connected.

The fourth lesson emphasizes on using language that communicates clearly and accurately. Pompous words and phrases, and jargons do not impress the audience. Hence, there is a need to use plain English. The authors opine, "The more precise and specific your language, the more information you give to readers and the easier it is for them to understand your message."

Further, the fifth lesson discusses the need to eliminate unnecessary words that slows down reading, and makes writing tedious and boring. The last lesson speaks about the importance of using correct sentence structures, punctuations and grammar. The authors suggest, "As a general rule, keep the average length of your sentences to 17-24 words, with only one or two thoughts per sentence. If you are using technical or unusual terms, drop the count to 15-18 words." Usually, a long sentence is difficult to comprehend.

Communication is a two-way channel. The receiver should receive and understand the message conveyed. It is important to write to suit needs and interests of the audience. The language for communication should be direct, jargon-free, plain and simple. It is also necessary to be able to organize tangled thoughts into clear logical units. On completing the book, I realized that I had improved my professional writing skills.

I recommend you work out the practice exercises and writing assignments at the end of each lesson. It reflects your weaknesses and highlights your strengths in business or professional writing. It increases your confidence in developing and writing any document ? business or casual, formal or informal. Remember the saying, "Practice makes you perfect."

In all, this self-paced training program was fun!