We're all capable of mistakes, but I do not care to enlighten you on the mistakes we may or may not have made.
--Vice President Dan Quayle
Effective Proofreading Techniques for Business Writing provides participants with instruction in proofreading and grammar, and hones the ability to identify and correct errors. Proofreading training is essential if one is to convey professionalism in writing. Errors diminish credibility in any business communication. Available both online and onsite.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- effectively proofread documents using a menu of techniques
- correct grammatical and format errors
- identify their most common errors, in order to eliminate them
Course Outline (consists of 11 online lessons)
Introduction and Proofreading Defined
- Understand what proofreading is and why it is important
- Distinguish proofreading from editing
- Understand the benefits of proofreading
- View some embarrassing real-life proofreading errors
Proofreading Techniques
- Understand proofreading advice
- Preparations to proofread
- Review summary of proofreading sequence
- Examine common error-prone areas of a document
- Examine and discuss applications of proofreading sequence to your work and organization
General Grammar Review
- Understand the necessity of both usage and grammar knowledge
- Review grammar terms
- A word of reassurance
Proofreading for Grammar Errors
- Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Noun-Pronoun Agreement
- Problem Areas:
- Who or Whom?
- I/Me/Myself
- Gender Considerations
- Practice
Proofreading for Punctuation Errors
- Commas
- Semicolons
- Colons
- Apostrophes
- Parenthesis
- Dashes
- Quotation Marks
Proofreading for Spelling Errors
- Identify where errors are most likely to occur
- Review Ten Tips that can make you a better speller
- How to make the most of your word processor's spell checker
Proofreading for Usage Errors
- Identify the 25 most common usage errors in business writing
- Using "straight talk" in business writing
- Learn not to "smother" verbs
- Review blend words, clipped forms of words, compound words, euphemisms, idioms, jargon, malapropisms, new words, and vogue words
Proofreading for Capitalization Errors
- Capitalization at a glance
- Titles
- Names of Places
- Points of the Compass
- Seasons
- Trade Names
- Literary Works, Artistic Works and Headings
Proofreading for Number Errors
- Understand when to express numbers as words
- Understand when to express numbers as numerals
Proofreading for Format Errors
- Understanding Header Levels
- Formatting Lists
- Putting It All Together
Summary
- Time Management Techniques
- Identify Your Common Errors
- Proofreading Practice
Register now to improve your business writing.