Writing Essentials online course
Learn how to write clearly and effectively – whether it's for news stories, features, marketing or general writing.
Become a better, more confident writer
This practical writing masterclass teaches all the basics – from writing in the active voice, making sentences shorter and using the right tone of voice to how to write in the inverted pyramid style and writing great headlines. It also gives grammar, punctuation and proofreading tips. It's ideal for those in marketing, communications, journalism or PR – but it's also suitable for anyone who wants to make their writing snappier and more compelling.
What makes this writing course so special?
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Taught by a former Sydney Morning Herald editor and journalist who worked across almost every section of the newspaper, from travel, entertainment and health to business and technology. He's also worked in marketing, consulted for PR firms and has over a decade's experience in teaching (including at the University of Sydney).
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There are plenty of exercises throughout the course that allow you to put theory into practice.
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You can study this course at your own pace, whenever it suits you.
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Equivalent to a full-day course, with six sessions that each take between 45 minutes to an hour and a half. However, you can start and stop whenever it suits you.
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Suited for all skill levels – whether you're a beginner or a pro who needs to refresh your skills.
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You'll receive an ebook filled with practical writing tips and techniques, a digital certificate of completion and a free copy of Dealing With Grumpy Editors (an ebook that explains how to pitch stories to the media).
This writing course covers:
- why short sentences are key to good writing
- how to write in the active voice
- how to use positive language
- writing with confidence
- using the right tone of voice and style
- cutting copy
- making your intros stronger
- showing, not telling
- tips on writing in plain English
- writing with the reader in mind
- commas
- using the correct tense
- how to write in the inverted pyramid style
- top 10 news criteria (what makes a story interesting)
- frontloading content
- writing a news feature
- grammar and punctuation
- considering the medium – and the purpose – of your writing
- proofreading tips
- writing great headlines.
Instructor
Dan Kaufman
Director
dan@mediasurvival.com
Dan Kaufman is an editor and journalist with over 20 years of experience. He has written for and edited almost every feature section of The Sydney Morning Herald,
lectured at UTS and the University of Sydney, worked as an online content specialist, copywriter and communications manager, and has taught writing and editing workshops for over a decade.
Testimonials
“I found this course really useful – just what I was looking for.”
Carol Bosnjak
“Thanks for a great writing course.”
Steve Cook
“Loved it!”
“Excellent course that challenged me to consider the messages/emails/articles I write as part of my role. Particularly made me think about the reader and methods I could use to engage with them better.”
“Dan was great! Lots of fun and I learnt a lot.”
“Really excellent. I particularly appreciated the writing exercises and your expertise!”
“An entertaining, informative and thoroughly enjoyable workshop.”
“The workshop was informative and relevant. The presenter has a lot of knowledge on the topic.”
“I enjoyed the Writing Essentials workshop and am already incorporating the tools in my work.”
Lissa Tucker
“Great course – I will definitely implement these tips in my day-to-day working life. A good refresher too.”