Put it in writing

The aim
This program succeeds in explaining the techniques required to get your point across in writing clearly and persuasively, even if you are not a natural writer.

About the program
Everyone can improve their written communication skills. This training pack succeeds in explaining the techniques required to get your point across in writing clearly and persuasively, even if you are not a natural writer. Nisha coaches two of her colleagues: Marcus who is struggling to write a letter and Alan who I trying to write an email.

Nisha explains the importance of uncovering the 'purpose of writing', which is what they hope their written communication will achieve. She encourages them to construct a plan in order to ensure they include everything they wish to say.

She also reveals how to draw a spider diagram, which requires them to order their points to ensure they flow in a logical sequence.

She then reviews Marcus's and Alan's first drafts, explaining how to improve their writing with some fine tuning

The summary section of this video recaps the learning points and offers tips on the importance of:
-Gathering the relevant information
-Planning
-Identifying the 'purpose of writing'
-Using the active voice
-Avoiding business jargon
-Avoiding pomposity
-Short sentences
-Short paragraphs
-Checking and proofing

The benefits
-Ideal for those that find it hard to get started on written tasks
-Also useful for those who are uncertain about some of the conventions on writing of wish to write persuasively



Information:
Produced by BBC Worldwide Ltd 1998 © Video Arts