NIH-Scientific and Technical Writing
Course Number: 2154

Description

If, more often than not, writing scientific and technical papers and reports means hours and hours of writing and rewriting, this course can help. In this two-day workshop, you will learn how scientific and technical writing differs from day-to-day business writing in several key ways. For example, did you know that you must "start at the end" and present your main results and conclusions first, followed by your methods and detailed findings?

The workshop is highly interactive, with discussions, writing exercises, and analyses of writing samples. During the class, you will receive an individual review of selected pages from your own reports and papers, along with a personalized list of areas needing improvement. To aid in the process, you will receive a customized workbook, with examples of NIH formats for scientific and technical materials and examples of well-written scientific and technical papers. You will also receive a reference book, Checking Your Grammar and a copy of the Harvard Business Review article, "What do you mean, you don't like my style?"

Key Topics

• Use a system to dissect the writing style used in journals and other publications and then model your writing accordingly.
• Streamline the entire writing process, so that you are able to write more clearly, concisely, and quickly.
• Clearly present math, data, schematic diagrams, and technical graphics, among other information.
• Organize and present scientific and technical information logically.
• Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.
• Ensure that grammar, punctuation, and spelling are correct.

Audience

All NIH employees

About the Instructors

For over 25 years, Maureen Caughran has worked as a manager and consultant in government agencies, nonprofits and NGOs. She has developed comprehensive management and employee training programs, aligning development activities with competencies. Ms. Caughran also designs, develops and conducts training programs in management and leadership, customer service skills, creative problem solving, decision making, presentation skills, professional writing, EEO, and diversity.

Maureen received an M.S.A. with a concentration in Human Systems and Organizational Behavior from The George Washington University. She received her B.A. from The Ohio State University and a Diploma from the Cours de Civilisation Française at the University of Paris. She served as an ESL instructor in the Peace Corps in Tunisia. She speaks fluent French.

Wendi Eldh has been a trainer, curricula developer, facilitator, and editor for the public and private sector for more than 15 years. She specializes in developing and presenting customized training in the following areas: interpersonal communication, facilitation, team building, customer service, supervisory skills, change management, diversity, creative problem solving, dynamic public speaking, and grammar and writing skills.

Wendi also teaches a unique E-mail Etiquette course addressing e-mail writing, etiquette, and legalities, as well as other office technology.

Current and past clients include the United States Senate, House Commerce Committee, Air Force, Navy, Army, Agency for International Development, Defense Information Systems Agency & Peace Corps.

Currently accepting enrollment