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This seminar will focus on the principles of formal writing in English from formulating project proposals to drafting final reports. Participants will be introduced to the steps to produce official texts which are both easy to read and comprehensive. The seminar will cover aspects of structuring texts and ordering information as well as the correct use of grammar and style.

Target Group

Public service employees who have to deal with formal English writing in their daily job (writing proposals, memos, etc.).

Participants are requested to work on real-life examples such as proposals, memos, reports, etc.

Method

Apart from trainer input, the workshop will comprise group discussions, as well as small group and individual exercises.

Objectives

• To explore and discuss features of effective formal letters and project documentation;

• To experience techniques for cooperative and step-by-step writing;

• To learn to avoid common grammar and style mistakes in formal written English;

• To put new insights into practice.

MONDAY 30 JANUARY 2011


10.00                Welcome and introduction to the workshop

Sylvia Archmann, Seconded National Expert, European Institute of Public Administration (NL)

Vera Zegers, Communication & Language Trainer, Maastricht (NL)

Introduction to formal writing in English

A step-by-step approach to writing official documents


12.30                Lunch at EIPA’s restaurant

13.30                A step-by-step approach to writing official documents (cont.)
                        Organising information effectively: Writing proposals and memos
 
15.00                Coffee/tea break

15.30                Language matters: typical problem areas in formal written English, based on real-life documents

17.00                End of the first day

19.00                Dinner at a restaurant in Maastricht


TUESDAY 31 JANUARY 2011

09.30                Creative writing wake-up activity

09.40                Writing texts which are both comprehensive and reader-friendly

11.00                Coffee/tea break

11.30                Cooperative writing and feedback techniques
 
12.30                Feedback and closing of the workshop
 
13.00                End of the workshop