Web Manager University - Spring 2007

Class Title: Plain Language: Writing for the Web

Webinar Description

Join Thom Haller as he shares what happens in people’s heads as they use content on the Web. At the conclusion of this class, yo'll be able to:

• Decide what content to include on a web page
• Identify ways to support people as they use content
• Explore why usable content meets plain language guidelines
• Apply plain language content strategies on the job

Why You Should Attend

Plain language matters to anyone reading on the web—they want to get a job done, and we can help. When we craft web content in plain language, we focus on the audience, not ourselves, our insider knowledge, or our organizational structure. When we create usable content in plain language, we help people find what they need, understand what they find, and use what they find to meet their needs.

Thom will ensure that this webinar is engaging and interactive, by using instructive (and funny) stories, presenting research findings so you can see how they apply to you and your job, and providing tips and tools you can take back to your organization and use. .

Regardless of your job title, you’ll benefit from this class if you have any responsibility at all for crafting content and supporting citizens. It doesn’t matter if you are an executive, a long-time writer, or a newcomer crafting web content. All participants will find value in the ideas, strategies, and tips. The course includes engaging hands-on exercises and time for questions and interaction.

What You Will Learn

At the end of class, you’ll understand …

• The importance of Web content and how to plan, organize, write, and design useful and usable content
• How to revise print material so it works well on the Web
• How to think in new ways about writing for the Web
• Hands-on practice and coaching in writing for the Web

Who Should Attend

• Web content contributors and editors
• Web content managers
• Information architects
• Intranet managers
• Web project managers
• Executives responsible for organizational mission

Level of Course

This course will benefit all beginning, intermediate and advanced Web content producers.

Webinar Format

This is an online webinar. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and share examples at the end of the presentation.

About the Instructor

Thom Haller, teacher, speaker, writer, and user-advocate, teaches principles of performance-based information architecture and content strategy. He has more than 20 years’ experience developing communication products (technical, instructional, and marketing materials) for government, associations, and business.

A noted facilitator and speaker, Thom has developed and facilitated workshops for federal agencies, associations, and corporations. As a speaker, he’s offered keynote presentations for the Society of Technical Communication, Federal Web Content Managers, IEEE, the Association of Professional Communications, and others. Thom is also a frequent speaker at Internet content conferences. In 1996, Thom founded Info.Design Inc. (a consultancy and think tank) to explore strategies for presenting information so people can easily understand it. With his team of colleagues, Thom helps organizations learn the fundamentals of information structure, and techniques for improving user experience—especially as they relate to visual relationships and clarity in text.

Info.Design’s clients include AARP, Department of Justice, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. House of Representatives, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Smithsonian Institution, D.C. Bar, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, University of Maryland University College and others.

In addition to his work with Info.Design, Thom teaches courses in user-focused design and structure. His academic work includes developing and presenting classes for University of Maryland’s Professional Writing Program; Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering; Georgetown University’s Center for Professional Development (where he taught Visual Display of Information); and USDA Graduate School, where Thom received the prestigious USDA Faculty Excellence Award. Thom serves as Executive Director for the Center for Plain Language. In this capacity he enrolls others in a mission to increase the usefulness and efficiency of government, legal, and business documents. He leads the organization in meeting its goals -- advocacy, research, education, and growth.