Improve readability scores in this online course — Feb. 22-26
Read it and weep. More than half of all Americans have basic or below basic reading skills, according to the DOE’s latest adult literacy test.
That means they can sign forms, compare ticket prices for two events and look up shows in a TV guide. But they have trouble finding places on a map. Can’t calculate the cost of office supplies from a catalog. Are unable to compare viewpoints in two editorials.
How well are we reaching these folks with our messages?
In this concise-writing workshop, you’ll learn how to make every piece you write easier to read and understand. You’ll walk away with secrets you can use to reach more readers, measurably improve readability and sell concise writing to management.
“One of the best career experiences I’ve had. The piece I worked on at the workshop has improved measurably.”
– Scott Worden, manager, corporate communications & PR, Magna International
Read more rave reviews …
What you’ll learn:
Whether you’re writing news releases, content marketing pieces, business communications, human resources messages, crisis communications, communication planning or other business writing, you’ll learn how to:
1. Reach more readers
Get a reality check on the level at which your readers really read. (Prepare to be depressed!) Learn to write messages that get more people to read your piece, read more of it, read it faster, understand it better and remember it longer.
2. Measure, monitor & manage readability
With a cool (free!) tool, analyze your message for 27 readability metrics — from the Flesch Kincaid grade level to Smog Index reading level to the Gunning Fog score. Then you’ll learn how to measurably improve your readability scores.
3. Cut Through the Clutter
What’s the right length for your piece? Your paragraphs? Your sentences? Your words? Leave with quantifiable targets, tips and techniques for hitting the right numbers.
“TONS of new tips and tricks. I cannot believe how much I changed and improved one piece in this session. I also enjoyed the ability to hear more from the other professionals in the class. Very interactive, which I loved.”
— Megan McCarl, public relations associate, Lambert, Edwards & Associates
4. Take the Numb Out of Numbers
Learn how to avoid statistics soup and data dumps … how to make numbers more emotional … how to increase understanding by turning numbers into things … how to choose the right chart … and more.
5. Start Making Sense
Jargon reduces social media reach and influence, cuts media coverage, makes your website harder to find — even makes it seem as if you don’t understand the topic you’re writing about. Learn how to translate the language of your business into the language of your readers.
6. Get feedback and coaching
After each session, you’ll rewrite your copy, post it to our private LinkedIn page and get feedback from the group. Then, in four weekly live coaching calls, you’ll have a chance to get feedback from Ann, whose own writing has earned 60 communication awards, including two IABC Gold Quills.
They didn’t teach you this in business school or communication studies.
If you’re a communications professional — whether in the United States or around the world — it is increasingly important to effectively communicate through more readable writing. In this class, you’ll boost your communication skills for reaching a wide range of audiences.
Bottom line: If you write in the English language, you should take this corporate communication course.
Location & logistics
Join us via Zoom and LinkedIn from 10 a.m. to noon Pacific on:
- Feb. 22: Reach More Readers, Pare Down the Piece as a Whole
- Feb. 23: Punch Out Paragraphs, Take the Numb Out of Numbers, live coaching call
- Feb. 24: Whittle Words, Start Making Sense, live coaching call
- Feb. 25: Streamline Sentences, Rev Up Readability, live coaching call
- Feb. 26: Live coaching call
Can’t make a date? You’ll have on-demand access to the online workshop until March 26.
Fees
- Silver (workshop only): $1,195
- Gold (Silver + $300 worth of learning tools — Cut Through the Clutter, Start Making Sense, Think Like a Reader, Think Outside the Pyramid): $1,295
- Platinum (Gold +$297 subscription to Rev Up Readership): $1,395
- Diamond (Platinum +$750 private coaching session with Ann): $1,795
Please learn about our discounts, cancellation policy and more in our FAQ.
“Worth every dime.”
— Brent Buchanan, managing partner, Cygnal
Save $200 until Dec. 31.
