Course Information
Clear Writing through Critical Thinking
Parking for SAO, Professional Development courses is in Garage B (1511 San Jacinto Blvd.). The Garage signage may read 1511 San Jacinto or Garage B. The elevator in Garage B is not reliable. If you are unable to walk the stairs, please contact the professionaldevelopment@sao.texas.gov for alternate parking arrangements. Handicapped parking is free at the meters around the downtown area.
A course coordinator will Email you a parking permit prior to the course start date. A permit must be displayed or you will be ticketed.
Course Description
This one day course provides essential tools, resources, and practice opportunities to improve professional writing skills.
Course Objectives
After completion of class students will learn to:
Establish framework to strengthen writing competence through critical thinking.
Employ critical thinking strategies to prepare logical, professional documents.
Choose correct, clear and concise expressions for all written communication.
Follow structured process to define purpose, outline key points, and organize content.
Edit systematically for clarity, readability, word choice, and mechanics.
Critical Thinking: Foundation for Professional Writing
Define Context and Course Objectives
Focus on Results
Writing Skills Survey: Current Competency
Focus on Critical Thinking Skills
Critical Thinking Strategies for Writing
Identify Criteria for Effective Writing
Direct Style: SAO Guidelines
Six Characteristics of Professional Documents
Application: Document Review
Master Correct Expression
Grammar and Usage Diagnostic
Core Grammar Skills
Application: Practice Exercises
Prepare Clear and Concise Documents
Guidelines for Clarity and Conciseness
Strategies for Cohesive and Coherent Documents
Active Voice Refresher
Application: Practice Exercises
Strategic Writing Process for Professional Documents
Plan and Prepare Essential Document Components
Purpose and Audience Analysis
Core Content Assembly and Organization
Focus on Challenging Writing Assignments
Guidelines for Writing Persuasive and Difficult/Negative News
Application: Individual Assignment
Review and Revise
Edit and Proofread for Accuracy
Application: Editing and Proofreading Checklist
Next Steps: Ongoing Plans to Improve Professional Writing Skills
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this class. YB 4.23(j)
Instructors
Ms. Mc Carroll has invested over 20 years’ experience developing, delivering, and facilitating formal classroom courses as well as training workshops for government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions. As a seasoned professional, Jackie has successfully engaged course participants from diverse technical, socio-economical, and academic backgrounds. Her courses are highly interactive, with opportunities for participants to practice skills, share knowledge, and pose questions. As subject matter experts, participants have responsibility for the content they include in documents. With high regard for this individual expertise, Ms. Mc Carroll offers proven guidelines and encourages participants to strengthen their writing by focusing on their readers’ needs as well as the document’s purpose and overall readability.
Additional Information
TAC Rule 523.142(g) requires the CPE Sponsor to monitor individual attendance and assign the correct number of CPE credits. Participants will be asked to document their time of arrival and departure in compliance with this Rule. Additionally, attendance will be monitored throughout the day and CPE certificates will reflect actual attendance of each participant.
If you are making travel plans to come to Austin, we recommend making "refundable" air and hotel reservations or waiting until 14 days before the class to actually book your reservations. Courses are occasionally canceled or rescheduled due to low enrollment. We determine whether a course has enough participants 16 days prior to the course date. If we cancel or reschedule, we will email the participant and his or her billing contact no later than 14 days before the original class date.
Vending machines with Coca-Cola products and various snack items are available. There is also a refrigerator and microwave in our coffee bar area. Feel free to bring in your own drinks and food if you prefer.
You might want to bring a light sweater or jacket, as room temperatures vary.
To see answers to our Frequently Asked Questions, visit http://www.sao.texas.gov/training/faq.html