Workshop Content
Q.
Do you cover the use of gerund phrases,
elliptical clauses, and absolute phrases
in
relation to the use of dangling constructions in
esoteric science writing?
A. We really don't
like to inflict pain on people. We prefer
painless coaching.
Q. But do you cover
grammar?
A. Of course, but
we limit our discussion to the most common grammatical
errors
that
distort messages in business and technical writing.
And we show you
logically, clearly, and painlessly how to avoid those
errors. However, if you
ask a
tough grammatical question, we answer it.
Q. Will I have to
diagram sentences in class?
A. No. We do
explain sentence-structure logic, but only to reveal
the danger of long,
convoluted sentences.
Q. My grammar checker
is always flashing “Passive voice! Passive
voice!”
I’m tired of just ignoring it. Can you
help?
A. Definitely.
After our discussion of active vs. passive voice,
you will fully grasp
the
difference between those patterns. You will see
the advantages and
disadvantages of each, know when to use which one, and
realize why
you
should care.
Q. Semicolons are a
mystery to me. I use them mostly to make my
writing look
sophisticated. I also think hyphens and dashes
are cool, but don’t know when
to use
them. Do you discuss punctuation in your
workshops?
A. Yes, we do; we
will demystify semicolons for you and show you when to
use
hyphens and dashes.
The Time Factor
Q. How can I justify
taking two days away from my job?
A. You won’t
be away from your job for two days. Part of your
course time is
reserved for planning and writing your current
on-the-job document. You will
leave
the class with a partly edited rough draft that we will
have personally
helped you start.
Plus,
the techniques that you learn in the workshop will make
you a much more
productive employee when you return to your job.
You will spend less time
writing on the job — and what you write will be
clear and concise, saving time
for
all your readers (including your manager).
Your
time at the workshop will be spent wisely.
