About Our Training 
People in business are generally hired because of their ability to do a specific job, not because of their ability to write effectively.  Nevertheless, professionals in every type of organization produce an unending flow of letters, memos, reports, evaluations, procedures, and proposals.  Clearly, the better the written message, the better the results for both the organization and the person doing the writing.

Good, clear, understandable writing does not happen easily.  It takes thought, planning, work, and attention to detail, but it need not be drudgery.  It can be a straightforward activity that delivers results.

The Writing Company's workshops teach the craft of writing.  We provide numerous practical tools, tricks-of-the-trade, and hands-on activities to help others write more effectively, in less time and with less work.

Participants in the workshop learn by doing.  We show them how to make their points more clearly and concisely.  To keep the workshop relevant, participants use their own writing samples.  Most importantly, we teach business writing as a skill that can be learned and practiced successfully by everyone.

Customized Course Content
Course content and curriculum varies with each group, depending on its needs and desires.  Most courses, however, cover the following topics:

• Defining quality in business writing
• Understanding the language of American business
• Discovering and overcoming obstacles to success
• Defining the writing process 
• Strategies for getting started and organizing information
• Ensuring understanding:  brevity, clarity, and tone
• Ensuring strength:  verbs, sentences, paragraphs, and appearance
• Ensuring accuracy:  grammar and punctuation
• Building confidence with critical reviews of writing samples

Putting the "Custom" Back Into Your Customer Service Writing
A one-day workshop that increases the customer service impact of your organization's writing.

Better Business Writing
A two-day workshop plus individual coaching that helps all of your managers and employees become more effective, more efficient, more confident writers.

Basic Business Writing
A two-day to five-day course that focuses on the basic strucure and mechanics and business writing.  It is designed for promising employees who cannot contribute at their fullest potential because of poorly developed writing skills.

Mentoring and Coaching
Intensive one-on-one contact for those "diamonds-in-the-rough" who need a little extra support to reach full stride.

SPEECH:  "If It's Not Written Well, Look Out!"
A humorous, thought-provoking look the many of the common roadblocks we encounter when trying to write well.  Since this workshop is not interactive, it is ideal for groups of any size.  The presentation can range in length from a 30-minutes speech to a half-day lecture/workshop.

Course Size and Length
For custom and corporate workshops, we limit class size to ten to fifteen participants.  We have found that size to be ideal for individual attention and valuable conversation.  For more generic workshops, such as at conventions and conferences, group size can be larger.

Courses vary in length, generally spanning two to three days: the three-day courses provide the most hands-on writing exercises and individual attention, including one-on-one coaching.  In every course, we examine the writing process and the mechanics of writing, and we review and critique writing samples.
 

Kenneth Mirvis, Ed.D., President of The Writing Company, has been providing writing workshops for professionals in every type of industry, from consulting to universities, finance to government, and firefighting to health care since 1986.

Each course is tailored to the client and the participants.  Prior to the class, Ken receives and edits brief samples from each participant, which he then uses in the course to ensure a meaningful and relevant training experience. 

When course design permits, Ken spends 30 to 60 minutes with each participant in a one-on-one coaching session as part of the training.

The courses receive consistent rave reviews.

Reviews from Participants

• I've never taken a course where I could use more.
• Excellent style of teaching, wonderful examples and experiences, truly provocative and thoroughly engaging.
• This class provided me with exactly what I was hoping to gain.  The information is very practical, and I will be able to use it every day.
• Hands down, the best course I have every taken.  Ken is a dynamic instructor who, by his obvious passion for the craft of business writing, inspires curiosity and growth in his students.
• This was the most thorough and helpful business writing class I have ever had.  The entire class was dedicated to learning how to write more effectively and efficiently.
• I do a lot of writing, and Iím planning to apply what I've learned on a daily basis.
• This course helped me look more deeply into my writing and the way I write.
• Ken was very personable and willing to speak one-on-one.  The class was more than I could have asked for.
• This course completely lived up to my expectations.  I learned far more than I had expected to.  I foresee using this information as soon as tomorrow.
• Ken presented the course in the best way: clear, honest, thorough.
• Great class.  Key practical information that I can use in all aspects of work and social life.
• An excellent class.  Could have spent days on the material.
• I will use this information daily in both my professional and personal writing.
• Very well delivered.  Interesting and engaging while still educational.
• Wonderful instructor.  I enjoyed Ken's total presentation.  His style of teaching perfectly suits my style of learning.
• Great class.  If offered a lot of answers to questions that I've had or issues that needed clarification.
• Thank you for coming to Dallas to facilitate the business writing class.  This was the most beneficial work-related class I have ever completed.  Hopefully, we can get you down here for other classes as well!