TheCapitol.Net > Custom, On-Site Training > Critical Thinking and Writing

Critical Thinking and Writing
How to Compose Clear and Effective Reports, Letters, Memos
1- or 2-day program
Intensive 1 - or 2-day course designed for those who write on behalf of their organization.

This is an excellent course for those who need to refresh their writing skills - with practical tips for professionals and agency staff. Fabulous publication included!

During this intensive course, your staff reviews and improves their use of the three dimensions of professional writing: organization, format and style. In addition to reviewing and practicing specific writing techniques, they learn how to

Communicate in a professional environment
Determine the purpose of each written communication
Understand the 5-step writing process
Remember basic grammar and punctuation rules
Use the 4 keys to effective writing
Develop an effective writing style

The key to efficient and effective operations in business and government is good communication. Many new employees need to review basic written communication skills. Even experienced staffers, burdened by the additional workload that results from downsizing and budget cuts, may develop poor writing habits.

Knowing more about the subject of writing and putting that knowledge into practice can help your staff improve their written communications--the objective of this course.

Materials include The Business Writer's Handbook. When customized for government agencies, materials can include government correspondence manuals and style guides. This course can be customized for entry-level to senior-level staff.

A specialized version of this custom training program is also available for agency staff who write congressional correspondence: Writing Congressional Correspondence.

A 1-page overview of this custom program is available (pdf)

Custom Training Information
Sample Agenda	Sample 1-day course 9:00 Welcome 9:05 Discussion: Critical Thinking and the Writing Process - The four keys to effective communication - The five-step writing process - Exercise: Communicating with Clear English 10:30 Break 10:45 Your workplace writing responsibilities and problems - Clear communication in sentences and paragraphs - Exercise: Editing sentences and paragraphs to improve clarity 12:00 Lunch - on your own 1:00 Writing Reports - with Style - Style Guides - Writing reports - Exercise: Using critical thinking to plan your report - Exercise: Editing a short report 2:15 Break 2:30 Writing Short Documents - Letters - Memos - Exercise: Applying critical thinking to letters and memos 3:45 Additional Resources This session recommends available books and resources on writing, and discusses techniques for maintaining writing skills 4:00 Conference Concludes All custom training is tailored for each organization and audience. Topics from this program can be combined with topics from our other programs and with topics from your existing training programs.
Sample Agendas in pdf format	Sample agendas of different versions of this program tailored for previous custom clients are available in Adobe pdf format: 1 hour tax writing incorporated into a longer program for a national association - Shifting Politics and Budget Priorities 1-day for federal agency - Critical Thinking and Writing See our Sample Agendas page for more. back to top
Audience Level	This conference is designed for all staff who need a writing refresher: it focuses on writing as a process and how to apply that process to everyday writing assignments. back to top
Audience Size	This program is most effective for between 15 and 30 attendees. Don't have enough people for a custom, on-site program? You can still train your staff at our public course.
Previous Clients	Variations of this program have been presented for federal agencies. Our selected client list includes clients who have purchased custom training, sent staff to our public programs and who have purchased our publications.
Faculty	An experienced writer/ editor teaches this course. back to top
Rave Reviews	"I called my boss during break to tell him this was a great course for clerical staff as well as professional staff in our office." Legislative Specialist, DOL "Great refresher ... with concise tips for improvement." Unit Chief, FBI "I am glad that I took this class. This will be a benefit to me for years to come." Legislative Analyst, Williams & Jensen "Great tips for correcting passive writing." Budget Analyst, Dept. of Treasury "Covered all materials and explained all the topics clearly." Supervisory Paralegal Specialist, FBI See more testimonials about this program. See what some of the attendees at our custom programs say about our custom training.
Course Materials	Materials include your personal copy of The Business Writer's Handbook and a 70-plus page writing manual that includes a basic style guide. back to top
Length and Location	Requires 1 to 2 days. This program is usually held in Washington, DC. It can be presented anywhere in the world.
Internal Marketing	To help you publicize and market a custom program to your organization's audience, we can provide printed materials and language for your own internal promotion and publicity.
Fee	The fee for this program depends on the location, number of attendees, length, and training materials. Call us for details, or complete our custom program information request for more information. If you don't have enough people for a custom, on-site program, you can still train your staff at our public course. back to top
What is included in the fee?	TheCapitol.Net tailors each program to meet your training and educational objectives. Before we issue a cost proposal, we will work with you to tailor a program to meet your training objectives. We provide all course materials and faculty chosen for your topic and your audience at the time and location you choose. Our custom program clients provide the classroom/meeting space, all audio visual equipment, any food and beverages, all registration functions, and travel arrangements for attendees. When the program is held outside the Washington, DC metro area, travel arrangements for faculty can be made by the client or by us. We can also provide meeting space, audio visual equipment, food and beverage, registration, and travel arrangements, though this affects cost.
FAQs	See FAQs About Our Custom On-Site Training. back to top
Payment	TheCapitol.Net accepts all forms of payment for its custom training, including credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), government procurement cards, checks, EFT, and purchase orders.
About Us	TheCapitol.Net, Inc., is a non-partisan small business, and a Virginia corporation. We are registered with CCR. See our About Us page for more details. FEIN: 54-1917701 DUNS: 04-273-5071 CAGE: 1K5S4
Related Information	Essential Washington and Hill Web Sites Quick DC Links - Washington Essentials The Business Writer's Handbook
Related Custom Training	Drafting Effective Federal Legislation and Amendments Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony Preparing for Congressional Oversight and Investigation Writing Congressional Correspondence back to top
Need more information?	Phone: 703-739-3790 Email: custom -at- TheCapitol.Net Complete our online custom program information request. back to top
Non-Partisan	TheCapitol.Net is a non-partisan firm, and the opinions of its faculty, authors, clients and the owners and operators of its vendors are their own and do not represent those of TheCapitol.Net.

URLs: www.TheCapitol.Net/CustomPrograms/writeagenda.html
www.LegislativeTraining.com

Last updated: January 01, 2008