Peabody Communications–Tips and Tricks

All downloads are Microsoft Word® files. If you run into any problems, email me.

Clear Business Writing Skills (About the class.)

Project Planning Sheet (21Kb)
If you suffer from "writer's block," this handy tool helps get your thoughts out on paper.

The Fog Index (23Kb)
Robert Gunning's top-rated readability test. Use it often to measure what grade level you write at.

Policies and Procedures (About the class.)

Policy Planner (25Kb)
Helps you think your policy out before you write it out.

Policy "Prompters" (20Kb)
Thought-joggers to help you get started on your policy.

Policy Template (21Kb)
A template laid out in "Headline" format.

Procedure Planner (20Kb)
An outline for your procedure.

Procedure Template (20Kb)
The "Playscript" Procedure layout.

Task Outliner (36Kb)
An outline to plan out your task lists.

Task OutlineTemplate (20Kb)
The "cookbook" Task template.

Fog Index for Policy Writing (21Kb)
A modified version of Robert Gunning's readability tool just for writing policies, procedures, and tasks.

The Gregg Reference Manual
This style guide has become the business writer's Bible. It will answer your questions about punctuation, grammar, and word usage. Find out more.

The Elements of Style
Written nearly 100 years ago by a school teacher, this little book has stood the test of time, been updated several times, and still stands as one of the best style books for business writers. Find out more.

Don't Make Me Think
Steve Krug is a renowned expert in Web site usability. His book offers great insights whether you're writing content for electronic or paper documents. Find out more.

The Mother Tongue
Bill Bryson's funny and fact-filled history of our language. If you've ever wondered why English can be such a pain, this is a great read. Find out more.

Eats Shoots and Leaves
Lynn Truss takes you on a wild ride through a series of real-life punctuation foibles. After reading this book, you'll understand why it's so important to know where the marks go. Find out more.

Envisioning Information
Information design guru Edward Tufte's book on blending visuals with technical information. Find out more.

www.plainlanguage.gov
The Federal Government's site on improving communication.

www.accountability.wa.gov/plaintalk
Washington State's Web site for simplifying writing.

www.plainlanguagenetwork.org
The Plain Language Association International.

www.sensible.com
Steve Krug's site on Web usability.

www.writewordsusa.com
Dr. Sharon Bridwell's Web site for business and technical writers.