Many of us leave the written outputs for a large project until the end, or we’re required to produce a written report in little time. Strategically planning ahead is inherent in what we do – despite this, we tend not to apply these skills to our report writing.

We should develop and write planning reports for the people we want to read them. Focusing on the reader and writing for contemporary needs will capture the reader’s attention, build their understanding and give them a sense of transparency and involvement.  Taking the time upfront to think about your report’s purpose, audience and objectives will save time. Your efforts can then be focused on the written word itself and a structure that suits your reader’s needs.

This workshop helps you to understand how to write in a digital, distracted age; what you need to agree before the writing begins; and how you can develop clear and consistent content that makes sense to those outside the planning profession.

Learning Outcomes

While you won’t leave this course with a new, innate ability to write perfectly, you will have the pointers that will help you to form better report-writing habits. This includes:

• What you need to think about before you start - audience, messages and purpose
• How incorporate contemporary writing skills
• How to make a report easier to read - choosing an appropriate style, voice and tone
• How to develop a clear narrative and structure
• How to avoid the pitfalls of writing a planning report, including jargon
• How to incorporate plain English writing – clarity, consistency and making your words count – into your day-to-day work.

Designed For

Anyone writing documents for a public audience or a busy decision-maker.

Presenter

Tara Madden, Director, Topdeck Pty Ltd Tara is an expert writer and editor with more than 20 years’ experience communicating public policy issues in Australia and the UK. Tara first edited a planning report in 2005 – a public-facing document that included terms like ‘building envelope’, ‘heritage curtilage’ and ‘pedestrian outcomes’. Once she recovered, she established Topdeck Communications, and now works with State agencies, councils and consultancies to translate technical documents, planning reports or strategic plans into engaging, clear content.

Terms & Conditions

Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.

If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.

In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.

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