VINCLER WRITING WORKSHOPS
Business Writing Training That Works
FAQs
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Workshop Content


Q.   I have to sift through tons of data and then present it to several readers with various backgrounds, both technical and nontechnical. I have a very difficult time organizing my reports. Is there a way to overcome this problem?

A.   Several topics we discuss in the workshop will address this common problem. Our planning tool will help you to quickly organize massive amounts of data and to key in to specific reader needs.

Q.   If it takes 100 words to explain a point, I can always explain it in 500 words. Being concise is my biggest challenge. Can you help?

A.   Conquering wordiness is one of the first topics we cover. We have often had attendees go right to their cell phones at the first break, call the office, and say, “Don’t send that letter we wrote yesterday. I’ll re-write on Thursday.”

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.


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