How can a trainer who trains on written skills get the participants to apply the learning beyond the classroom? Most often trainers deliver training, check the learning in the classroom and leave. The trainer has done his job and the organization has provided the opportunity to learn, and hopes that the participants apply the learning at the work place.
Well, this is wishful thinking. The real scene is that participants forget to apply what they are taught in the classroom unless there is a constant monitoring and feedback until they unconsciously begin to apply the learning.
For my email training program, I have developed a scorecard on written skills that can be easily modified to the program objectives. The scorecard tracks the participants application of punctuations, grammar, tone, style and expression in an excel sheet. A value for each aspect of the email is given, errors are tracked, and a final score is generated for each email. I share this scorecard with the participants and provide feedback on where exactly they are going wrong. I do this for about three months after my program until participants get a 100% score. This is a lot of work, but ensures that there is a real improvement after training.
I will share this scorecard later, but meanwhile if you need more inputs on developing a similar scorecard just email me.
Showing posts with label write better emails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label write better emails. Show all posts
Friday, December 25, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Here's a quick way to trim the flab in your emails
Ever read a few of your sent emails. You will want to trim it for more clarity and crispness. It happened to me all the time, but now I have these 5 steps to help me overcome this.
1. Write the subject first: This will keep you focussed on what you want to convey to the reader.
2. Keep out fillers: If you tend to use words that don't add any meaning to your writing, keep them out. While writing in a conversational style, we end up using fillers because that is the way we speak.
If you use a lot of 'actuallys' while speaking, you are likely to use it in writing too.
3. Find the correct word: Use one word that conveys what you mean. This will add more depth and clarity to your message.
4. Spice it well: Don't exaggerate. Writing more adjectives doesn't mean your are creative or clear. It just means you are a show off!
5. Edit, edit, edit: Read and re read like you are the receiver of the email. Cut and trim and make your email succinct.
1. Write the subject first: This will keep you focussed on what you want to convey to the reader.
2. Keep out fillers: If you tend to use words that don't add any meaning to your writing, keep them out. While writing in a conversational style, we end up using fillers because that is the way we speak.
If you use a lot of 'actuallys' while speaking, you are likely to use it in writing too.
3. Find the correct word: Use one word that conveys what you mean. This will add more depth and clarity to your message.
4. Spice it well: Don't exaggerate. Writing more adjectives doesn't mean your are creative or clear. It just means you are a show off!
5. Edit, edit, edit: Read and re read like you are the receiver of the email. Cut and trim and make your email succinct.
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