Writing for High-Speed Readers Module Summary

Purpose
To produce documents that are easy for high-speed readers to scan, understand, and act on quickly and efficiently

Learning Goals
· Use strategies to help readers respond quickly and easily
· Organize information to meet the needs of high-speed readers
· Use tools to produce effective quick-read documents

Design Concept: Auto Racing (Pit Crew)

Learning Principles
· Constructing effective email messages that get read
· Using planning questions to prepare to meet the needs of the reader
· Applying editing tools to improve a message before it is distributed

Skill Improvement Models
· 7-Step Planning Tool (Reader Needs)
· Editing Tool (Content, Language, Layout)

Individual and Group Exercises
· Individual exercise: Written instructions that fail or succeed
· Small group exercise: Roadblocks and Obstacles
· Anticipating the Reader’s Questions
· Applying the Planning Tool
· Lightening the Load: communicating clearly with fewer words
· Applying the Editing Tool

Discussions
· Tune Up Your Email: tips and techniques for improving email

Case Study
Case Study: Report on Security Training

Speed Bumps
Places to slow down

Action Planning
Identify actions you will take in a specific on-the-job situation

Approximate Time Length of Module: 3.0 – 3.5 hours