Policy and Strategic Writing

Is this programme for you?

The Policy and Strategic Writing programme is designed specifically for those who need to produce high level documents.

This programme is ideal if you write-

• Analytical Reports, Briefs
• Manuals, Instructions
• Policy, Procedures, Recommendations
• It's pitched towards those who deal with unusually complex information. And those who need to get their message across in plain language to multiple audiences.

If this is what you're after, then feel free to telephone or email us. And we're always happy to tailor our programmes to meet your specific needs.

Why this programme?

Policy and procedural documents can be tricky to write. Often you're working with complex, yet loosely framed, issues. Typically, someone in authority decides the way things should be, and your role is to repackage that for multiple audiences.

Or, alternatively, you may need to write briefs or reports. Here you're required to explain the issues clearly to decision-makers. And write no-nonsense recommendations.

Either way, the challenge lies in explaining your subject well. Readers need to be confident that you've sifted through all the relevant stuff. And that you've selected the right options. They crave simple, robust, explanations in plain language.

Now that requires a higher level of critical writing!

So our Policy and Strategic Writing programme goes beyond traditional business writing models. We'll show you how to anticipate what decision-makers need. And how to write documents that plainly state what needs to be said.

How we run the workshops

Policy and Strategic Writing sits among our specialist workshops. It's highly interactive. We use accelerated learning techniques to implant the key ideas - quickly, easily. We keep the groups small and the sessions short.

Look at our typical 2-3 day Policy and Strategic Writing programme-

• We start with your current documents and writing requirements. Together, we determine what specific enhancements may be needed. And armed with that knowledge, we tailor the programme accordingly.

• Next, the workshops. We cover the essential principles for specialist writing. We look at the latest research, writing trends, and how this relates to your work. And we simplify the planning process and slice though the forest of complexity.

• Then with powerful yet simple exercises we focus on the 'strategic' part of writing. We reinforce the reader-centered approach. And within 2-3 days you'll discover great ways to write persuasive documents.

Policy and Strategic Writing is about making the entire writing process much easier.

So we keep the workshops upbeat and enjoyable.

What you will learn

The workshops assume good thinking abilities. After all, you wouldn't be doing the job you do if you couldn't think straight. So we build on the experience you already have.

Here's a few of the topics we cover-

• The importance of simplifying reports
• Identifying what the reader really really wants
• Influencing and persuading your audience, the right way
• Making the main point the main point
• Powerful summaries and extracts
• Essential ingredients for self-editing

Follow-up

A week or two after you've attended our course we'll ask you to submit a sample of your writing. This could be any work-related document. We'll then-

• Assess your writing
• And provide e-coaching on the relevant issues
• If you want, we also offer one-on-one coaching to help you write those real heavy documents

Policy and Strategic Writing is a great programme. And our follow-up regime helps imbed your new found skills.