Services - The Art of Clear Writing

The Art of Clear Writing

My first degree in Graphic Design secured me a job in an advertising agency (in Cologne, Germany) where I would proof-read leaflets and posters prior to them going to print; attention to detail was therefore crucial. This experience, plus my ability to communicate in several languages, as well as teaching English as a second language, have helped me hone my skills to recognise content that could be misinterpreted or misunderstood, and spot typos.

Therefore, if what you write is...

too long (People don’t bother finishing it)
too technical / ambiguous / filled with jargon or acronyms (People won’t understand it)
visually boring (People will ignore it),

SESSION TYPE Work supplied in writing

DELIVERY MODE By email or in printed form, as required

CASE STUDY Governors' Newsletter at a South England Primary School with a large multicultural community

I can help you reach more people by simplifying your text without dumbing it down, by...

shortening your text (omitting ‘fillers’ and repetition)
simplifying your language (using explicit, non-idiomatic, and simpler words)
replacing text with visuals, where appropriate

For some years, I simplified a Primary School’s governors’ annual newsletter. The original newsletter was comprehensive and informative, but its written English was not as accessible and clear as it should have been, considering the school’s multicultural community. I would produce an easier-to-read summary, without “dumbing it down”. For example:

Original text

The full governing body normally meets around seven times a year. Individual governors also take on specific roles. For example, there is a governor to oversee provision for children whose first language is not English, and a governor to monitor different strategic objectives such as ‘instilling a love of reading’. Governors regularly come into the school to meet with children and staff, observe how the school runs and ask questions that will help them understand where improvements are needed and where good work is taking place.

Simplified text

We meet seven times a year and some of us have special jobs. For example, one of us is responsible for a programme that helps children whose English is not their first language, and another governor helps with getting children to read more. Governors visit the school and speak with the children and staff. It is important that we understand how to make the school even better.

My Other Services

Coaching in presentation and public speaking: how to engage with your audiences, successfully and confidently.

Tailored workshops which help participants communicate across cultures in a more positive, inclusive and efficient manner.