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Q. Are there limits to what can be accomplished in
training?
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A. There are some extreme cases in which we can not realistically expect
significant improvement in writing. Those cases will include some people
with certain learning disabilities and those who have severe communication
deficits. For an explanation of what you can realistically expect from
training, see Kenneth W. Davis's article, "What Writing Training Can -- and Can't
-- Do."
I sometimes tell clients that I bring help and hope but
no miracles. |
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Q. How long will the training take?
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A. The time participants must spend in training will depend on your goals,
their needs, and their availability. Obviously, significant changes in
writing patterns take time, practice, and feedback. Most training takes 1
to 2 days, but occasional training courses can require 4 days. |
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Q. How can I get people to apply what they have learned
on the job?
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A. Improving the writing in an organization is a commitment that must begin
at the top so that participants see that improved writing is important
to their job success.
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Yet it's not enough for management to voice support to the consultant.
Supervisors and managers must communicate their interest in improved writing
in ways that participants understand.
One successful method is to have
supervisors and managers involved in the training and setting the example in
their writing after training. Many organizations have also found that adding
writing goals to performance reviews adds to the effectiveness of
training.
The key is that the support must be consistent and visible.
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Q. What happens after training?
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A. Your agency will need follow-up after training because changing
writing habits takes
practice and feedback. Reva offers personal feedback in the form or written
responses to participants' writing both during training and in
follow-up conducted by fax and telephone after the training. |
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