Specialist writing courses

We are able to develop customised modules for your organisation if required. Our specialist courses each consist of three modules and run over three weeks.

Emailing

These days, we all have to write emails. From order confirmations to newsletters, or just a quick line to confirm a date, email is the main form of communication in business. Yet, how many of us understand how to write and manage emails effectively? This course covers three main aspects of emailing:

The mechanics: your purpose, audience and topic; the power of a good subject line; email etiquette; professional appearance (punctuation, layout, formatting, fonts, backgrounds).

Writing emails: style (write clearly, concisely … get to the point!); avoid wordiness and jargon; different styles for different audiences; some basic grammar.

Managing emails: using files and folders; searching and sorting; managing complex email correspondence.

Minutes and meetings

Meetings are as inevitable as death and taxes (and often as long and boring). The need for efficient meetings is greater today than ever because of the constant flow of information and ever-increasing speed of everyday life. Yet, the basics of running a meeting and writing up minutes are not taught! This course will cover:

Model meetings: types of meetings (and agendas); planning a meeting; who’s who in the zoo; role of the chair; how to participate effectively.

Minute taking: active listening and how to improve your listening skills; taking notes; understanding reported speech; summarising information; writing up minutes.

Online meetings: Using Skype, webinars and other online conferencing tools.

We also offer a Professional Writing Course.

Why use a copy-editor?

People often ask me … what exactly do you do? Why would I use your editing services? I know how to write and there’s always Microsoft’s spellcheck.

My reply is simple: editing is not just about correct spelling and acceptable grammar. It’s about consistency and finding the ‘voice’ that is appropriate for your readers. It’s about communicating the right message in an effective way to your audience.

Publishing houses are not the only organisations that need editorial services. Companies, small and large, government departments, universities, non-governmental organisations as well as aspiring authors can benefit from the services of an editor.

Here are three good reasons why you should use an editor:

1. Value. Mistakes and inconsistency can be costly. An editor helps you get it right first time, on time and within budget.

2. Clear communications. Unclear communications can confuse your audience. An editor makes sure your communications are clear, concise and correct.

3. Image. Misspellings and clumsy grammar are not good for your image. Computer programs can’t replace a good editor who will help you find the right tone and style.

(Adapted from marketing material I developed for the Professional Editors’ Group)

The Four Ps of Presenting

On the subject of public speaking, Franklin D. Roosevelt said “Be sincere, be brief, be seated”. I say use the Four Ps:

1. Be Positive
Our thoughts dictate our behaviour. So use positive self-talk (“I am going to give a powerful presentation”) and visualisation (imaging applauding audiences) to prepare yourself mentally.

2. Prepare
Preparation is key! Spend time identifying the purpose of your presentation, as well as your audience. Will they be receptive to your topic? Who are they? (eg: experience, knowledge, age, background).

3. Plan
What is the topic of your presentation? What are the key ideas? (Between 3 and 7 key ideas, depending on the length of your presentation.)  What are the supporting points for each key idea? How will you link the points/ideas (transitions)? Is your opening (introduction) clear and closing (conclusion) strong?

4. Practise
This doesn’t mean learning your speech off by heart – use key phrases and your slides to guide you. Practice the pace and tone of your voice, and where to pause and where to emphasis a point. Time your presentation so you don’t go over your allotted slot.

A final thought
To add power to your word, use the rule of three (eg: one main idea and three supporting points).Some of the most memorable historic phrases use this rule:

“Liberté, égalité, fraternité”
“Of the people, by the people and for the people.”
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

Contact Us

Kristina Davidson
Email: kristina@writetothepoint.co.za
Tel: 021 762 8769
Cell: 0721744673

Or use the form below.

Linguistic false friends

Cognates: words that sound similar in different languages often turn out to be ‘false friends’. I found quite a number of examples in a book I was editing. Overall the book was fairly well structured and written. Yet, you could tell which chapters were written by non-English mother tongue speakers,  not so much by the style but by those ‘false friends’.

Here are some of them:

“Countries disposing of natural resources”, which I changed to “Countries with natural resources at their disposal”. The French disposant de was translated as disposing of‘instead of at their disposal or (depending on the content) with.

“… byzantine arcanes of financial markets”. Arcanes is a adjective in English, not a noun so I changed it to byzantine mysteries.

“pretending that the US financial system was the standard for the world”. Changed pretending to claiming (incorrect translation of prétendre).

However, it is true that English is a very versatile language!

My favourite (to date) of a “new” English idiom is this:
“… begs the pregnant question.”  A wonderful mix of pregnant pause and begs the question.

Musings on blogging

Will I look back on this, my first post, in a few months time and wonder why it took me so long to get around to writing it? Most probably.

It is often the thought of tackling the task that seems so daunting (or should that be terrifying, to continue the alliteration). But once you make a start on the task, it doesn’t seem so difficult after all.

I have finally joined the global community of bloggers. According to Michael Quinion’s World Wide Words (love that website and his weekly e-newsletter), blogger, as an expression, has only been around for about a decade.

So, I am not too far behind the times.

I intend avoiding galimatias (gibberish, meaningless talk, or nonsense). This blog is going to be a gallimaufry (a hodge-podge, ridiculous medley according to Christopher Foyle’s Foyle’s Philavery: A Treasury of Unusual Words) of anything to do with words, language and, of course, business writing and training.

I am already looking forward to writing my next post.

Home OLD

Welcome to Write to the Point, a Cape Town-based communications and learning company that helps business, government and the non-profit sector communicate succinctly, effectively and … to the point.

We offer:

Courses. Cramming heads with theory is not our style because the best way to learn to write is to write! We guarantee improved writing skills within three months.
Content Development. We develop your content for both online and print media. Our team of experienced writers and editors ensure that every publication is fine-tuned to appeal to your targeted audience(s).
  Project Management. Let us save you time, money and stress by managing your project. Our aim is always to deliver on time and under budget.

To discuss your requirements, or to request a quote, please contact us.

In our interconnected world, writing is the dominant form of communication. At Write to the Point, we believe that being able to communicate clearly and concisely is a business imperative. Whether you work in business, government or the non-profit sector, we ensure that you communicate succinctly, effectively and … to the point.

Cramming heads with theory is not our style, as the best way to learn to write is to write! We help you grow your writing skills effortlessly over time Our Writing Programme will give you just enough theory and lots of practice to help improve your writing skills.

Nevertheless, even top writers need an editor. Write to the Point offers a full range of editing servicesThink like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people. William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)

 

In our interconnected world, writing is the dominant form of communication. At Write to the Point, we believe that being able to communicate clearly and concisely is a business imperative. Whether you work in business, government or the non-profit sector, we ensure that you communicate succinctly, effectively and … to the point.

 

Cramming heads with theory is not our style, as the best way to learn to write is to write! We help you grow your writing skills effortlessly over time Our Writing Programme will give you just enough theory and lots of practice to help improve your writing skills.

 

Nevertheless, even top writers need an editor. Write to the Point offers a full range of editing services

 

mpetitive economy, you are judged not only by what you say and but also by how you present.

A good editor will do more than simply correct your grammar and spelling. A good editor will help you communicate your message effectively to your audience.