July 2022. Coming soon!

Power Up your Proposal Writing! New course launching later this year focusing on writing winning proposals. Find out more or register your interest!

Course overview

Get an outline of the course content and modules. Understand the importance of the practical exercises to make the learning stick, and the value of reflection to help you put your new techniques into practice.

Module 1: Find your purpose

Who’s reading, and why? Set out your goals for your writing by identifying your readers, working out what questions they want answered, and having a clear view of what results you want.

Module 2: Write a killer introduction!

Understand how a great introduction hooks your reader’s attention and sets you up for success in getting your intended results. See how an introduction aligns what you want to write about with what your readers want to read about. Focus in on the “issue at stake” to create an emotional connection with your reader, and set out your plan to deal with the big issue.

Module 3: Unleash your big idea

See how leading with your big idea - rather than building up to it gradually - creates impact and engagement in your readers. Find out what makes a big idea work, and how to turn your thoughts and ideas into text.

Module 4: Organize your thoughts

Discover the importance of getting your thoughts together before starting to write, and the dangers of having a headful of knowledge! Use learning styles to make sure you address different readers’ needs - and your readers’ different needs - to create a balanced, flowing document.

Module 5: Grab their attention

Grab your reader’s attention in five seconds! Use techniques from media writing to deliver key messages efficiently and concisely - particularly for quick turnaround, informal writing like emails.

Module 6: Keep it simple

Learn how to simplify your writing to boost understanding, without ‘dumbing down’ and losing key ideas. Try out different strategies for removing complexity to let your messages shine through your writing.

Module 7: Banish jargon, gibberish and cliche

Respect your readers by choosing language which carries real meaning, is clear, and is accessible to all, regardless of cultural and social background. Learn how to switch off ‘autopilot’ and stop writing words and phrases which have become trite, tired and tedious for readers

Module 8: Harness the power of lists

Use lists to create hierarchies of ideas and lay out the logic of your messages clearly. Use word lists in sentences to reinforce key points and make your messages stick. Reflect on the ‘rule of three’ and how readers like to group ideas together to reduce the effort of absorbing content.

Module 9: The ‘quick fix’: a writing hack!

Learn how you can apply the ‘SPAF’ treatment to quickly turn some dull writing into prose which sparkles! Use the same approach as a rule of thumb when you review other people’s writing.

Module 10: Make it stick

Use metaphor, imagery and vivid language to make your writing memorable. Choose words and concepts which stimulate and create an emotional response. Learn how the human brain craves unusual, exciting and surprising content - and how you can paint pictures with your writing.