Proofreading

Overview

Course duration: 1 day.

First impressions count and careless or shoddy written communication will cause readers to doubt the content and professionalism of the document.

It is vital that all forms of written communication in an organisation - informal emails, reports and marketing material - are accurate.  Careless proofreading can result in a lack of credibility and considerable cost in rectifying the errors.  This course provides practical exercises to increase the accuracy of your writing and improve your proofreading skills. At the end of the course you will leave with a glossary of the common proofreading symbols.

Is it right for me?

Designed for those who need to ensure accuracy when checking and proofreading either their own or others' written communication. This introductory course is not suitable for professional publishers or copy editors.

What will I learn?

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Proofread documents in three key stages.
• Check that reports, emails and articles have an effective structure.
• Correctly identify common errors in grammar and punctuation.
• Use the common proofreading symbols.
• Perfect writing for professional effect.
• Relax your ‘computer screen’ eyes using simple exercises.

Pre-course Activity

You will be asked to complete a pre-course questionnaire which will help the trainer to focus on your individual needs.

What will it cover?

Why is Proofreading Important?

• Image, cost and accuracy
• The importance of double and triple checking
• Making time and taking a structured approach to proofreading

The Three Stages

• Scanning the document for sense and a logical layout
• Is it presented well? Are the sentences and paragraphs effective?
• Careful proofreading for accuracy

Refresh your English Language

• How is your grammar?
• Avoiding the confusion of incorrect punctuation
• Recognising common mistakes
• Consistency and numbering
• Should you rely on Spellcheck?

Can you see the Trees for the Wood?

• Skimming
• Foolproof techniques for checking writing

Marking up Documents

• Legibility – don’t turn the paper into a battlefield
• Common proofreading symbols
• Where and when to use symbols  

Action Planning

• Creating your personal action plan for the future