{"id":1533,"date":"2016-08-30T08:08:57","date_gmt":"2016-08-30T08:08:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpblog.indigobusiness.co.uk\/?p=1533"},"modified":"2023-10-25T14:46:19","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T14:46:19","slug":"improving-how-your-graduates-write","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpblog.indigobusiness.co.uk\/improving-how-your-graduates-write\/","title":{"rendered":"Improving how your graduates write"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Madison-Abernethy\"<\/a>Madison Abernethy recently graduated from the Ivey Business School at Western University in Canada, where she developed strong interests in marketing, media and corporate communications.\u00a0Throughout University she was plagued by writer\u2019s block. She admits that 95% of her designated writing time was spent staring at a blank document, the ceiling, or any other distraction she could find.<\/p>\n

Madison is now\u00a0Global Communications Coordinator at McLuhan & Davies Communications, Inc (MDC)<\/a>\u00a0in Toronto. As a part of their induction process, she attended Writing Dynamics™<\/a>, the world-renowned two-day workshop that focuses on writing clearly, concisely, persuasively, and fast.<\/p>\n

“The workshop\u2019s pledge to faster writing excited me. In university, I could spend days writing a single page. I began writing papers weeks before they were due \u2013 fueled not by fervour, but by distress.”<\/p>\n

Who has time for the frills of brainstorming?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We all know that writing is not always an easy, fun, or entirely productive process. Writer\u2019s block can be crippling as it eats away at productivity and morale. We’ve all got ideas to share, but they often stay in the back of our minds.<\/p>\n

One thing that really gave Madison that ‘eureka moment’ was when the group were asked how much of their total writing time was spent planning what to write. \u00a0She answered with 5%.\u00a0At the time, her idea of sufficient planning was to scribble down main themes and arguments\u00a0and to just get on with it. She had been advised on the importance of brainstorming and planning in university,\u00a0having never fully digested the guidance.<\/p>\n

Others\u2019 answers varied, with 0% to about 20% representing the majority. One of the attendees responded: \u201cabout 50%.\u201d This resulted in shock from the rest of the group…<\/p>\n

The group was even more surprised when the trainer smiled with delight at her response. \u201cNicely done!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cThat\u2019s just about right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Learning from professional writers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Writing Dynamics™<\/a> is a workshop developed by professional writers to teach participants to better plan, draft, and edit their writing. As Madison learnt, the bulk of work should take place in the planning stages. It is in this part of the process where crucial points surface, main arguments are formed, and a piece of writing is shaped.<\/p>\n

Madison says, “Writing is where you get your ducks in a row. Planning is where the ducks are born.”<\/p>\n

Madison adds, “Writing can be a strenuous practice. Taking the time to brainstorm and plan effectively has led me to a breakthrough in my own writing, as it can with all graduates.”<\/p>\n

“I now take the\u00a0time to sit down and hash out my thoughts before picking up the pen, no matter how rushed or eager I feel! Finding I have much more productive writing sessions and I am clearer, more concise, and more persuasive \u2013 in less time.”<\/p>\n

Madison’s top tips for making every word count!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Madison_WD_plan\"<\/a>

How Madision used the Writing Dynamics™ structure to plan what she wanted to say in our interview.<\/p><\/div>\n