Training

Proofreading Techniques for Business Writers

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

Proofreading for Business Writing provides participants with instruction in grammar and style, and hones the ability to identify and correct errors. Proofreading is an essential skill if one is to convey professionalism in writing. Errors diminish credibility in any business communication.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. effectively proofread documents using a menu of techniques
2. correct grammatical and format errors
3. 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 Grammatical 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

Contact us for more training information. Fee is $295.

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