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Business and Government Writing Essentials: Clear, Concise, Compelling

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This rating is calculated from participant feedback.

Easily applicable plain language tools and techniques to make your writing crisp, clear, and effective.

Next date
21 May 2025, 9am
Delivery
In Person
Location
Wellington
Duration
1 day
CPD/PLD Hours
7

Course overview

In this course, author and plain language expert, Simon Hertnon, guides you through the steps of successful writing.

You will learn the most efficient way to first clarify the goal of a document, then outline it, then write it. The course provides you with the skills and confidence to deliver value through writing that is clear and concise and, when it really matters, compelling.

The course employs a seminar-and-workbook format – interspersed with discussions and exercises – and is structured to reflect the optimal writing process. Participants all receive a copy of Simon’s popular book, Clear Concise Compelling: How to write less to achieve more, so you can continue to develop your skills after the course.

Facilitated by

Find out more

Simon Hertnon

What you'll learn

  • Deliver value through every type of business writing
  • Save time by producing clear briefs and organised outlines before drafting
  • Logically structure any document
  • Confidently choose headings and tone
  • Avoid overwriting
  • Avoid common spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
  • Meet the requirements of the Plain Language Act 2022

Course modules

Part 1 – Thinking (before drafting)

  • Principles of successful communication
  • Writing to deliver value
  • Persuasion
  • Briefing
  • Outlining

Part 2 – Designing information

  • Structure, style, tone and plain language
  • Word choice and grammar
  • Punctuation

Further Information

The Plain Language Act requires government departments and agencies and their public servants to use plain language when writing to the public. Our Facilitator, Simon Hertnon, has detailed clearly what the Act is about, what it requires and who it impacts, why it matters to you and how it will be implemented. You can read more here. The good news is Business and Government Writing Essentials gives you the very tools you need to meet the requirements of the Act.

This course is registered with the Management Capability Development Fund.

Small businesses may qualify for funding to help pay for services such as training workshops, courses and coaching that build the management capabilities of their owners and key managers.

Management Capability Development funding is only available through the Regional Business Partner Network (RBP) Growth Advisors and can be used with service providers registered with the RBP Network.

Funding may be provided to a business where the Growth Advisors have identified a need for management training as part of an action plan to support the business owner to grow and innovate their business. Business owners are then able to select a service from a registered Service Provider.

For more information on the Management Capability Development Fund or to find your local Growth Advisor go to www.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz.

Here's what others are saying

“I’d recommend Simon’s course to anyone who does any sort of writing as part of their daily life (yes, even email!). The course helps develop confidence that will transfer to your emails, newsletters and reports.”

“This is the first time I have ever enjoyed a writing course. I highly recommend it.”

“A foundation course for anyone in a knowledge-based role in the public service.”

Upcoming Courses & Delivery Options

21 May 2025 | Wellington

Duration: 1 day

$895

excl. GST

12 Aug 2025 | Wellington

Duration: 1 day

$895

excl. GST

11 Nov 2025 | Wellington

Duration: 1 day

$895

excl. GST

Can’t make these dates or want a private course?

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