The Grammar Workshop

The Executive Writer's Proofread Like a Pro: Grammar & Editing Workshop is based on the editing and proofreading concepts outlined in the business-writing book, Write Up The Corporate Ladder (AMACOM, 2003). The seminar is an interactive course that teaches participants basic business grammar and editing skills plus an innovative two-step proofreading process that helps ensure the contents of each document are clear and concise, and the mechanics are correct.

The seminar includes individual and group exercises on each major concept so participants can practice the rules and master the grammar, punctuation and editing skills presented.

If participants have questions about rules not covered in the course outline, the questions will be answered during the seminar by the instructor or, if there is not enough time, after the seminar via phone or email. No question will be left unanswered.

Concepts Covered Include:

Passive vs. active voice
Comma splices and run-on sentences
Dangling modifiers
Commas, colons and semi-colons
Apostrophes and possessive case
Compound adjectives
Subject-verb agreement
Acronyms
Abstract vs. concrete language
Eliminating jargon and wordiness
Editing for plain English

What You Will Learn

A two-step proofreading process that experienced and inexperienced writers alike can use to thoroughly check the contents of each document they write.
How to eliminate the fear of making mistakes and increase the confidence in your proofreading and writing skills.
How good mechanics aid clear writing.
A list of easy-to-access online proofreading and writing resources.
A common vocabulary for talking about proofreading with your peers and colleagues, which speeds collaborative editing projects.
The three causes of writer's block and how to prevent them.
When and how to apply grammar and proofreading rules.
How to establish proofreading groups at work.

What Participants Receive

One-on-one feedback.
An Adobe PDF version of the workshop presentation.
30 days of follow-up support via email, phone or fax.
Manual with full workshop content including exercises and handouts.
Subscription to The Executive Writer Writing Tips, a monthly eNewsletter.

Audience
Businesspeople who must edit their own work on the job or are responsible for editing the work of others.

Length
One day and half day.