COURSE SYNOPSIS
Bertha Henson, author of five books, draws on her long experience in journalism, to show how short and sharp writing is more effective in putting across a message than a long and belaboured treatise. The class will be taught how to engage in critical reading as a way to hone language and logical thinking skills, before moving on to shaping content for the different audiences/readers via different mediums, online or offline.
Bertha will introduce her diamond approach - cut, clarity and colour - as a guide to good writing. Resource materials will be drawn from news publications and other sources which purport to engage in public communications. Good writing is deliberate writing - recognising the role of AI, jargon, descriptive phrases, narratives, metaphors and other techniques that will leave the reader with a clear idea of the intended message.
Bertha has conducted at least 10 such courses previously using material that is current at the time.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Module 1: Elements of Good Writing
A. Understanding the reason for writing - whether to inform, explain, persuade, complain or warn or just to look good. This will dictate the content of the message and the tone of delivery.
B. Knowing the target audience, which can be divided broadly into the expert and non-expert. This will guide the amount/complexity of the content as well as its focus.
C. Using the diamond approach to writing clearly and concisely, with before and after case studies of articles, press releases and social media posts
Session 2: Understanding Numbers
Beyond charting them, how to write numbers in text, whether financial figures, survey numbers or dollar amounts, in a way that the reader can follow. This is a hands-on workshop on when types of numbers, whether indices or percentages, should be used and putting them in the right order.
Session 3: Case study on Public Communications
Case study on how the disclosure of NRIC numbers was handled by various agencies. It started with private emails, responses from public servants, press statements, televised press conferences and culminating in a report by an investigation committee. This workshop will examine what could have been done better to allay public concerns.
This course is eligible for SkillsFuture Credit. All Singaporeans aged 25 and above can use their SkillsFuture Credits from the government to pay for a wide range of approved skills-related courses. You may visit the course listing on the MySkillsFuture website here [to be linked] to find out more.
For enquiries, please email bookawriter@singlitstation.com.
COURSE DETAILS
Venue: Sing Lit Station, 22 Dickson Road #02-01, Singapore 209506
Schedule
Session 1: TBC, xxxx 3hr duration
Session 2: TBC, xxxx 2hr duration
Session 3: TBC, xxxx 2hr duration
COURSE FEE
Full Course - General Admission: $600
Full Course - Student Concession: $400
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
[Placeholder Bio] Bertha Henson is a veteran trainer in the arena of writing communications and media management. She worked in the Singapore Press Holdings stable of newspapers for 25 years, until 2012. Her last designation was Associate Editor of The Straits Times. Past positions include News Editor of The Straits Times and Deputy Editor of The New Paper.
REGISTRATION
Please select the payment option that is applicable to you:
Option A: Payment by Cash
For participants who are not utilising SkillsFuture Credits
To register, please purchase a ticket via Peatix using the button below. Registration will be confirmed upon successful ticket purchase.
Option B: Payment via SkillsFuture Credits
For participants who wish to offset part or all of the course fee using SkillsFuture Credits
Please complete the registration form via the button below. Upon submission, Sing Lit Station will contact you with instructions on payment and the submission of your claim on the MySkillsFuture portal.
Please note that SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) is not eligible for use towards this course.
If your SkillsFuture Credits do not cover the full course fee, the outstanding balance must be paid directly to Sing Lit Station.
Registration Confirmation
Registration is confirmed only upon the following:
Option A: Successful ticket purchase via Peatix
Option B: Submission of your claim on the MySkillsFuture portal
Participants are advised to ensure they are able to attend all sessions within the course run. Refunds will not be issued once the course has commenced.