Writing Training Documents

Essentials Series

During the program participants will learn metaphors for distinguishing different aspects of a how-to text that will help them break down masses of information into learner-friendly units quickly and efficiently. The facilitator will review the writing process from acquisition of the content to structuring and formatting how-to steps in various types of technical documents.

Participants will also learn how to create introductory narratives that explain the purpose of each how-to segment and engage and motivate the learner. The facilitator will share examples that get this job done in two or three sentences, and participants will practice creating narratives for their own work as well. This program also touches on, but do not explore in detail, writing voiceover scripts for e-learning to accompany the step-by-step instructions.

Participants will write narratives and step-by-step instructions for topics presented in the workshop, and may also opt to write examples from their own work. Live beta testing will provide immediate feedback on writing and instructions. At the completion of each session, participants will receive direct feedback and engage in lively discussion that reinforces effective technical writing habits and techniques.

Audience

The audience for this program is those who need to write detailed step-by-step instructions for training or documentation, help systems or e-learning scripts, as well as developers of e-learning modules. Both new and experienced writers can benefit from the review of writing procedures and the practice with live beta testers provided during the workshop.

About this Program

This program will cover:

Session 1: The Writing Process

Working with a subject matter expert
Defining your audience
Building the document piece by piece
Finding and promoting the “wow” factor
Rules for writing and tools of the trade
Identifying types of writing
- Hard news
- Feature writing
- Technical writing

Session 2: Grammar

Recognizing verb agreement errors
Using commas and hyphens effectively
Identifying active versus passive voice

Session 3: Writing

Eliminating wordiness: rewrite examples
Structuring and writing step-by-step procedures
Beta testing and feedback discussions
Writing introductory narratives
Formatting for e-learning scripts

Learning Objectives

At the end of this program, you will be able to:

Describe the writing process and structure for step-by-step instructions.
Facilitate the conversation between the subject matter expert and the reader.
Keep your writing style active, accurate, and short.
Write step-by-step procedures that make the most of the learner's time and effort.
Write narratives that will "hook" and motivate your audience.

Registration
Transfer Policy
Cancellation Policy

Member Price: $395
List Price: $695

By Mail: Registration Form

By Phone: Phone: 1.800.628.2783 or +1.703.683.8100

Participants may transfer their registration to another seminar free of charge. The transfer request must be received in writing five (5) business days prior to the first day of the seminar for which you were originally scheduled. A $50 transfer charge will be applied to all transfers received less than five (5) days prior to the first day of the session. Participant substitutions may be made at any time with written notification to ASTD. If the substitute participant is not an ASTD member and the original participant was, the difference between the member and nonmember rate will be billed.

If cancellation should be necessary, written or email notification to ASTD is required five (5) business days prior to the first day of the seminar. You may receive a full refund, minus a $100 administrative fee, up to and including the 5th business day before the seminar. If you find that you cannot attend, and it is less than five (5) business days before the start of the seminar, you may send a replacement, with written notice to ASTD. If you are unable to send a replacement, you forfeit your registration fee. All credits must be used within 1 year from the date of issuance.

On-Site Offerings

ASTD can make arrangements for this program to be offered on-site at your organization. Your attendees participate in the same learning experience offered at our public workshops, but have the convenience of being at your site and the benefit of covering the material with company peers.

Interested in bringing this program on-site to your organization? Please contact Amanda Miller at amiller@astd.org or 703.683.9215, or request information through our online form.

Facilitators

Jennie Ruby

Jennie Ruby has more than 15 years of experience as a trainer and courseware developer. She is experienced in the delivery of online training and has authored multiple training books as well as numerous writing and editing courses. She has worked with IconLogic to create effective training materials and books and has delivered courses on writing training documents, e-learning scripts and voiceovers.

Jennie has an M.A. from George Washington University and is a Certified Technical Trainer (Chauncey Group). She is also a publishing professional with 20 years of experience in writing, editing, and desktop publishing.

Upcoming Programs

Online Program
Jul 24-24, 2013	Enroll now
Online Program
Sep 10-10, 2013	Enroll now