In the professional business world you may have only one chance to make a good impression. Every professional contact begins with words—you will either give an “elevator talk,” make a podcast, send a letter, craft an email message, or give a presentation. First contacts make deep impressions on clients, potential employers, and regulatory organizations. Why take a risk on a first chance?
In my classes, you can learn to improve your professional impact by studying and practicing in a safe and challenging class. Veterans, non-native speakers, recent high school graduates, and professional people can find out how to write effective letters, presentations, videoscripts, brochures, and reports.
Here is where I currently teach:
The Biomedical Regulatory Affairs Masters Degree Program in the School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle.
PHRMRA 546 Technical Writing for the Medical Products Industries (3) The course presents up-to-date information and strategies for effective technical communication within the medical products industries. It addresses the appropriate and correct use of the English language, information design, and the use of computer technology in producing professional documents. It also emphasizes communication technical information to a variety of stakeholders. Required texts: Williams, Joseph M. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Tenth Edition. New York: Pearson Longman, 2010. Alred, Gerald, Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu. Handbook of Technical Writing. Tenth Edition. Boston and New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2012. Offered: Winter.
PHRMRA 550 Advanced Technical Writing for Biomedical Regulatory Affairs (2) Further examines communications with attention to best written practices. Provides an intensive review of common editing and advanced strategies for crafting highly reliable and effective documentation. Credit/no-credit only. Prerequisite: PHRMRA 546 or permission of instructor. Offered: Spring.
The English Department, North Seattle Community College, Seattle
ENGL&230 Technical Writing, three credits fully transferrable to the University of Washington
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of technical communication that students will need for academic and professional work. Specifically speaking, students learn to identify audience needs and target documentation to fulfil those needs. Students will write two papers, write a set of instructions, and work with a client. Students learn to design and manage graphic elements, and edit their own work for common grammar and style challenges. Offered: Year round.
Required texts: Markel, Mike. Technical Communication, Tenth Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2012. Alred, Gerald, Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu. Handbook of Technical Writing. Tenth Edition. Boston and New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2012.
ENGL&230 Online Technical Writing, credits fully transferrable to the University of Washington. Offered: Winter. Same required texts.