The Executive Writer Client Testimonials

"The keys to good writing are much the same as the keys to good teaching: know your audience and what you want to teach, plan, make it concise and interesting, and follow your instincts. Kevin Ryan teaches these keys to good writing and follows them as a teacher. He used our own writing as samples in his lessons. His clearly stated goal was to free us of our hang-ups with the “rules” of writing. The activities were clear, to-the-point, varied, and fun! Kevin can think on his feet-changing the order of his planned lessons to respond to our needs and interests. I whole-heartedly recommend Kevin Ryan as a teacher of business writing."

Sue Zeigler
Assistant Head, Materials Acquisitions Office
The New York Public Library

“The Executive Writer workshop provided tips on writing and proofreading that writers of all skill levels, beginners to advanced, will find invaluable. The workshop was customized to meet the time pressures and special needs of our team. Kevin did an excellent job of selecting the information he needed to communicate in person and providing online and other resources that we could use on our own. The course was very user friendly. Kevin moved through the material at a comfortable pace using a good mix of instruction and hands-on, interactive exercises. An enthusiastic and entertaining speaker, Kevin boosted our confidence as writers and actually made writing fun.”

Kay Watanabe, Senior Manager, Marketing
Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG)
Cisco Systems, Inc.

“The Executive Writer workshop is excellent. Kevin was interested in us, our jobs, and our on-the-job writing issues. He covered everything we wanted to learn, and I came away with many helpful tips that I could immediately use myself and 'inflict' on my staff (particularly about emails). Kevin convinced us that we are better writers than we think we are and showed us how to write with confidence.

In addition, he analyzed our writing samples after the class was over and gave us one-on-one feedback—fantastic! I've taken many classes and never had any follow-up initiated by the instructor. Additional post-workshop benefits include: a helpful, entertaining, and professional-looking monthly newsletter and, perhaps most noteworthy, Kevin makes himself available by email to answer any writing questions we have and is very timely in responding.”

Dr. Susie Homire
Director, Medical Device Fellowship Program, CDRH
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“When I couldn't find an in-house writing course for my group, I contacted The Executive Writer. I'm glad I did. The 'Plan, Write and Proofread Twice' workshop conducted by Kevin Ryan was just what I was looking for. Kevin was genuinely concerned about my team's writing issues and customized the course to meet the needs of the diverse group of people who attended. Kevin made us feel comfortable and confident in our writing abilities. In the few short days since the workshop, I have noticed that the participants are applying Kevin's techniques to their writing projects—and it's working. Their writing is improving. Kevin is a dynamic presenter who knows his material and is very easy to work with. Thank you very much for helping us to become better writers.”

Bonnie Blackson, Manager Client Services
American Express

"You know you have been successful when someone tells you they were dubious about attending a writing skills workshop but felt obligated to do so, and then afterwards were able to say, hand on heart, that the session was stimulating and thought-provoking.

I offer this as a testimonial from one of my more assertive colleagues; and I did get other very positive comments and feedback from other participants. Thanks so much for making the session come to life and getting people to think about how they express themselves in the written form. Also, thanks very much for being an asset to our annual Communications and Public Affairs Development Training Program."

Shelagh Lester-Smith
Vice President, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Motorola

“Thank you for the personal feedback on my writing style and the many useful tips you presented in The Executive Writer workshop. Writing is a key skill I use every day at work. Your course taught me how to write short, simple sentences that get my point across quickly, which saves me time and trouble on everything I write. Though I always dread workshop exercises, the ones you had us do were realistic, hands-on learning tools that improved the quality of my writing. I was never bored and you did an excellent job keeping everyone involved and interested. I wish all workshops were as interesting and practical—and improved my productivity.”

Janice Tillman, Manager of Administrative Services
Energy Northwest

"The Executive Writer taught our consultants a new way to write 'without rules.' The innovative approach made the writing process less complex and increased everyone's confidence. In addition, the instructor's wit and humor made a difficult subject interesting. But most important of all, The Executive Writer method improved the writing skills of the entire group in a single workshop."

Jamie Claflin, President
J'Caz Consulting

"I've taken business-writing seminars before, and they didn't teach me anything new. They were basically grammar reviews. The Executive Writer tutorial presented a different approach to writing that was practical and easy-to-understand. Best of all, I saw immediate improvement in my writing skills."

Holly Olson, Channel Manager
Novell, Inc.

"Writing was always a difficult and frustrating chore for me, but now that's changed. The Executive Writer taught me the simple, intuitive method professional writers use, which made the writing process easier and less intimidating. I left the tutorial with confidence in my writing ability and new tools to help me write quickly, clearly and to the point. The Executive Writer tutorial is one of the most effective workshops I've attended."

Cindi Remley, Senior Manager
Lucent Technologies

“I thoroughly enjoyed The Executive Writer workshop. The instructor is clearly an expert in his field and presented helpful tips and advice in straightforward, easy-to-understand language. The class improved my confidence and took the fear out of writing for me. I learned the connection between writing and problem solving, and that even the professionals don't have all the answers. Most important of all, I learned how to get my message across to my reader clearly and concisely. I am interested in attending another workshop.”

Stephen Fife, Operations Manager
American Express

"I've attended several informative grant writing classes, but Kevin's workshop gave me tips and examples that I will be able to use immediately. I took away ideas that will tighten up my writing as well as give it more warmth and depth."

Anne Chapman, Community Impact Manager
United Way of Salt Lake

“The Executive Writer taught me how to write without rules, which helped me to focus on my message, write faster at work, and improve my confidence. As an added bonus, I improved my critical-thinking and problem-solving skills too. Everyone who writes on the job should take this workshop.”

Steve Hegerhorst, Account Manager
Prometric/Thompson Learning

“The Executive Writer workshop showed me several easy ways to write concisely and proofread more thoroughly. I was able to apply Kevin Ryan's tips and advice immediately after the workshop on my emails, memos and other business writing assignments. Kevin is an inspirational speaker who presented a uniquely different and easy-to-understand approach that anyone can use to become a better writer. This was an excellent workshop, and I'm looking forward to attending another one.”

Rosie Robillard, Technical Support Specialist
Energy Northwest

“The Executive Writer course gave us refreshing new ideas that we are already implementing to improve both our information gathering and writing. The class was engaging, interactive, and full of energy. We walked away with all the tools we needed to take our written documents to a higher level.”

Kalani Cropper, Advertising Manager
Altiris

“The Executive Writer workshop clearly outlined the do's and dont's of business writing and taught me an easy way to edit my own work so I catch even small mistakes that most people typically miss. I also learned how to write more concisely, which makes it easy now to communicate a clear message to my colleagues and customers. As an added bonus, I spend less time writing on the job.”

Linda Krantz, Manager
American Express

"The Executive Writer tutorial teaches a fresh, new approach to improving writing skills. I learned how to focus and clarify my writing, and how to implement what I learned immediately. If you do any type of on-the-job writing, this tutorial is a must."

Dannette Klein, Program Manager
Novell

“Your keynote to the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce was a welcome reminder of the power of the written word. Your insightful tips on how to write and think clearly and concisely were presented in an easy-to-understand, entertaining style. The comments I received from members afterward made it clear your presentation provided timely, helpful information for the business community.”

Heidi Ballif , Vice President
Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce

"I really enjoyed The Executive Writer presentation. It was my favorite session of the conference. I am in the process of writing a business plan, and the basic message of your presentation has been extremely helpful. Again, thanks very much."

Jennifer Taylor, Freelance Project Manager

“I highly recommend taking The Executive Writer workshop. I found the principles easy to follow and understand. One of the first techniques I learned was how to remove unnecessary words from my documents. After the workshop, I began applying this skill to all of my correspondence including simple emails. I saw immediate improvement in my ability to write clearly and concisely just based on this one tip. My writing has certainly improved because of this class.”

Michele D. Hudson, Deputy Director
Office of Information Technology, CDRH
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“The Executive Writer course taught me many helpful concepts that I applied immediately to my writing projects. For example, I have reduced the length of my inter-office emails while making them more easily understood. I also reduced the time it takes to write, re-write and edit my reports. Following Kevin's advice, I asked a co-worker to trade proofreading tasks for documents that go outside the department so we can be sure to catch any errors. Just these three steps alone have helped to make the writing process easier and everything I write more clear and concise.”

Martin Gilley, Nuclear Safety Issues Program Lead
Energy Northwest

“In just a few hours, The Executive Writer was able to outline an efficient and detailed approach to success-story writing. The tactics explained in this course simplify the writing process and provide clear, concise and effective results. The Executive Writer gives a professional and interactive presentation that shows how to break the rules in order to write well.”

Rhett Glauser, PR Manager
Altiris

“Just a short note to say thanks for the writing instruction. I write an article each month for a trade publication and use your tips to save myself a lot of time and produce a better product. Today I began writing an article that seemed a daunting task. However, I remembered your tip to just write and edit later. This one tip has saved me time and again, including today. Thanks for your expert advice—very helpful!”

John Hickey, Marketing Director
Q Comm International

"My job requires a lot of writing which I often found difficult. But The Executive Writer tutorial taught me how professional writers write—a method I wish they taught in school—and significantly improved my writing skills and confidence after a single workshop. I recommend The Executive Writer to any business person who wants to save time and headaches on every project they write."

Alexia Henrie, Manager
Novell

"I appreciated your fresh approach to writing and language. Common sense in a world in need of it."
"Simple concepts that make sense."
"Thanks for the insight and knowledge on business writing. Writing won't be so difficult in the future."
"Thank you for the insight on writing. I'm not so bad after all."
"Cuts through the crap!"
"Great concepts that helped me to be more confident in my writing."

Evaluation-form comments from the
Project Management Institution (PMI) Annual Conference workshop

“The course put the ambivalent world of writing into understandable terms and made the point clear that there is really no one right way. It made writing look fun.”

“I think anyone, experienced writer or not, would benefit from this course.”
“Writing almost seems so simple, and anyone can benefit with the tools presented.”
“It emphasizes the obvious that with a little work anyone can write effectively.”
“Terrific message and terrific messenger.”
“Great ideas. Great presentation. Great examples.”
“Practical information that helps immediately.”
“This course builds confidence.”
“Good, practical, reasonable tips.”
“Presented a common-sense approach to writing and debunked the old rules that often stop my creative process.”
“Fast-paced, practical, and presented knowledge I can really use.”
“Easy-to-understand, interactive.”

Evaluation-form comments
from the United Way Salt Lake workshop