| The Challenge |
The
Approach |
Results |
Case
Study 1:
High-level individuals have issues
with writing but no time for
class. |
One-on-one coaching for
45-60 minutes per week, focused
on individuals’ specific difficulties. |
- Difficulties reduced or eliminated.
- Insecurities overcome.
- Streamlined communication that removed
bottlenecks in operations.
|
Case
Study 2:
Employees’ reports
and emails lack sentence structure,
organization, and proper grammar. |
Class instruction reviewed
and practiced correct sentence structure,
grammar, and punctuation. |
- Average 12% improvement on post test.
- More confidence expressed by students.
- Fewer corrections needed on participants’ work,
as reported by managers.
|
Case
Study 3:
Community Outreach department doesn’t
reach intended audience. |
Class instruction raised
awareness of the needs and abilities
of audience. Practiced revising
documents for proper reading level
and “plain language.” |
- Visible improvement on outreach materials.
- Good feedback from clients.
- Career growth for those who mastered
plain language concepts.
|
Case
Study 4:
Good writers are too wordy and
still use outmoded expressions
and jargon; they’re unsure
of acceptable current style. |
Class instruction practiced
revising documents to reflect current
styles, focusing on audience needs,
and making messages concise. |
- Average 19% gain on post test scores.
- Students’ recognition and
avoidance of bad habits.
- Positive feedback from colleagues,
clients, and supervisors.
|
Case
Study 5:
Call Center representatives write
transcripts of customer calls that
need much correcting and clarification
before being processed. |
Class instruction reviewed
writing basics and raised awareness
of problems caused by “deadwood” expressions
and too many abbreviations. |
- Average 25% improvement on post test.
- “Significant drop” in
time spent on clarifying the write-ups.
- Advancement of most participants
within the organization.
|
