Copyright instructation

Writing to instruct

Online help, user guides, product manuals, maintenance guides, procedure manuals and training materials all fall into this category.

Whether your subject is ‘technical’ or not, explaining it to someone else, giving them exactly the information they need, in the order in which they need it, is a skill that can be learnt.

As well as covering the best way to structure your document and the language to use to help your readers understand, we look at screenshots, diagrams and flowcharts   those elements that can make all the difference in how easy a document is to follow.

Depending on your requirements, we can also look at creating elearning materials, including software simulations, and presentations.

For example, you may need to:

  • Teach someone how to use a software application
  • Provide step-by-step instructions for a procedure
  • Explain the circumstances in which an action should be taken
  • Reassure those who are nervous when change is introduced
  • Enable people to learn at their own pace

What all these types of writing have in common is that they help people to do something, to gain knowledge and understanding. They are all supportive and provide encouragement. They all give detailed instructions, appropriate for the task at hand. Your intention is usually to convince the people using what you have developed that if they follow the instructions, they will achieve their goals.

Whether you are writing a user guide, designing a flowchart or are developing online help or interactive online training materials, the prime purpose remains the same – to instruct.

How long is the course... and what does it cost?

Writing to instruct is offered as:

  • A 1-day standard course
  • A 2-day workshop, giving attendees the option of putting what they are learning into practice straightaway
  • Part of a bespoke course specifically tailored to your organisation.

Our courses are competitively priced. Discounts are offered for charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Contact us to discuss your requirements and for a no-obligation quote.

What do you get?

  • 6 hours (12 hours on a 2-day workshop) of learning with an experienced trainer using interactive training methods.
  • The opportunity to find out what works for you in a supportive and comfortable environment.
  • A comprehensive workbook to use during the course and for reference later.

You will gain confidence in writing instructional materials and will improve your written English. The course is particularly suitable for people working in technical support, as trainers or who specify procedures.

Please note that we do not supply laptops or copies of software applications. If you require training in a particular software package as part of your course, you can often download trial versions if you do not already own licences.

Not sure this is the course for you?

Get in touch – all our courses are modular, and we can mix-and-match to meet your needs. We can also create a course especially for you, if that's what works best for you.