After writing comes the important task of editing. Equipping ourselves to edit our own work, as well as the writing of others, is the foundation of this course.

Course Description

Participants will learn how to approach their own documents with “fresh eyes” and overcome the temptation to tinker with (as opposed to edit) another person’s document. 

Objectives:

Back on the job, participants will be able to:

• Recognize bad writing/lack of editing
• Understand and employ the tenet of plain language
• Organize documents using a logical flow
• Edit for clarity and meaning
• Eliminate negative language and add positive phrasing
• Learn how to give feedback in a constructive way

Agenda:

• General editing guidelines
• Plain language
• Sentence structure
• Organizing a document
• Active v. passive voice
• Psychology of editing
• Giving feedback - positive and constructive

“You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth.  You can point with it, too”

     -Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird