COACHING IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

The art and craft of writing technical reports
Port Douglas workshop

This course, presented by Peter Spinks, MA, will be held on Friday, October 10, 2008 at the exciting new Sea Temple Resort & Spa in Port Douglas, north Queensland.

TARGET AUDIENCE: The workshop is intended for science, information technology and engineering graduates from all disciplines, as well as project managers and team leaders. No prior knowledge of report writing is required, although experienced writers would also benefit from the course. The group will be restricted in size in order to enhance the opportunity for individual interaction and personal hands-on instruction.

COURSE CONTENT: The intensive and enjoyable workshop will cover the following topics (theory being interspersed with practical exercises during the day):

    + Introduction to report writing (A nuts-and-bolts account of how the scientific report writer might set about selecting material, writing and finally checking and editing reports).

    + A-Z of writing (A detailed checklist - complete with examples - of things to do before, during and after writing a scientific report; this includes tips on formulaic writing, when and how to use examples and analogies and elementary advice on improving readability, grammar, punctuation and style).

    + Every picture tells a story (Suggestions for preparing successful graphics, illustrations and photographs for reports).

    + Technical writing and the law (Legal issues affecting engineers and writers alike, including defamation and copyright).

    + Editing with ease (Basics of editing technical copy, including the writing of clear and accurate headlines/titles and captions).

    + In-print (Short exercises designed to hone report-writers' skills at putting pen to paper).

    + Bibliofile (A comprehensive list of recommended texts and Internet pages for further reading on selected topics).

TEACHING STRATEGY: Peter mainly uses PowerPoint, and sometimes overhead transparencies, to present notes and illustrations. His strategy is to interact as much as possible with participants in order to maintain contact and attention throughout the workshop. This is also facilitated by illustrating the foregoing topics with appropriate exercises, examples of reports, graphics and pictures.

MATERIALS: Photocopies will be provided of selected texts and examples. International and interstate visitors will also receive an information pack containing maps and details of local attractions, activities and options for accommodation, wining, dining and touring.

SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFITS: As well as offering networking opportunities, the workshop will enable participants to apply the skills and expertise they acquire to activities other than those related to writing reports. For example, enhanced writing abilities lead to better letters and emails, while greater verbal skills make for shorter, clearer telephone conversations.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: Attendees are entitled to further coaching for one month after the workshop is finished. During this period, participants may seek advice and instruction by telephone or email on any aspect of the course. The extra month would be particularly useful to those wishing to hone their skills or develop strategies for preparing a particular report or project.

CERTIFICATE: Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of achievement.

FEEDBACK: Please click here for some examples of feedback provided by participants at previous workshops - and here for still more feedback.

REFEREES: For a list of professional referees, click here.

VENUE: The workshop will be held from 9am to 6pm in the well-appointed boardroom of the Sea Temple Resort & Spa in Port Douglas. The luxury resort, which opened in May, is located on the beachfront at the end of beautiful Four Mile Beach. Participants will receive coffee and tea on arrival. There will be two 20-minute teabreaks: smoked turkey, avocado and chilli quesadilla will be served during the morning break and a selection of savoury scones with home-made relish during the afternoon. A one-hour alfresco lunch, served on a verandah overlooking the Grand Lagoon pool, will comprise three salads and a selection of baguettes including poached grain-fed chicken with cos lettuce, bacon and Caesar dressing, cheese omelettes with onion and basil, cured leg ham with avocado, lettuce and tomato, Hungarian salami with fire-roasted capsicum, olives and mustard dressing and tuna nicoise with lemon mayonnaise. Dessert will consist of seasonal citrus tarts with whipped mascarpone. The day will close with a round of farewell drinks and snacks.

ACCOMMODATION: Participants wishing to stay at the resort will receive a special discount on normal room rates. For details, please contact Jodie Winks, Functions Manager (Direct phone: 07-40843509; Fax: 07-40843599; Email: jodie_winks@mirvac.com.au) and mention that you plan to attend this workshop. Other accommodation options in Port Douglas may be found by clicking here.

FEES: The full cost of the workshop is $490-00 per person, of which a deposit of $100-00 is payable at the time of booking. The balance is due when the workshop begins. An "early bird" special of $440-00 is available to participants who pay their $100-00 deposit before September 1, 2008. Groups of three or more people from the same organisation receive a discount of $40-00 per person (to be deducted from the balance). Registration will be confirmed in writing on receipt of the deposit.

Fees cover all tuition, exercises, tea and coffee on arrival, morning and afternoon refreshments, a light lunch and after-workshop drinks and snacks (as described earlier). The fees also include the one-month consultancy period mentioned above under "ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE".

REGISTRATION: Places are limited, so register today by clicking here. "Early bird" pricing is available until September 1, 2008.

INQUIRIES: Email the workshop co-ordinator, Carola de Keijzer, at science-writing@inbox.com or telephone the workshop inquiry line in Melbourne on 03-54295473 (Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time).

OTHER COURSES: Please click here to visit the homepage for details of other workshops and private tuition in science writing and media skills.