Course Aim

The Effective Writing course uses argument mapping as a planning technique to write documents that are clear, concise, compelling and convincing. This technique helps writers to inform and persuade busy readers in complex workplace environments such as governments and corporations.  Clear writing requires clear thinking which is not always easy when dealing with technical or complex issues.  Argument mapping helps us to clarify our thinking, as we plan our writing, and to zoom in on the essentials of the message we are trying to send. The course focusses on writing clearly and concisely about complex topics, writing persuasively in the face of contestability and writing strategically when the stakes are high.  The course learning outcome is that participants will be able to use argument mapping to plan and write documents that are clear, concise and, when necessary, persuasive and strategically compelling.

Course Outline

Day 1 – Writing Clearly & Concisely: Understanding the needs of busy readers | Clear thinking and clear writing | Argument mapping: a technique for clear thinking | Argument mapping exercises | Using argument mapping to focus on your document’s essential content | Structuring your document for clarity | Exercise: writing clearly and concisely | Inductive reasoning – how to use evidence effectively | HMAS Sydney case study

Day 2 – Writing Persuasively & Strategically: Building persuasive arguments with deductive reasoning | Identifying and rectifying the weak links in an explanation | Anticipating and addressing counterarguments | Thinking strategically with propositional reasoning | Building compelling strategic arguments | Space Shuttle Challenger case study: bringing it all together | Major integrative exercise on effective writing

Course Material

The following resources will be provided to attendees of this course:

1. An electronic copy of the presenter’s 120-page booklet on Effective Writing.

2. A PDF copy of the 30-page Exhibits & Exercises document used for the course.