3 Responses

1. Excellent research material at about.com
   Hi there,

   While researching for a business communication course that I have recently designed, I came across About.com It is an excellent source of material for – English as a second language. It’s not a solution, however there may be some ideas on creating a solution.

2. Try all three
   Mark,
   I think that it is possible to put a course together using all three delivery routes so that the delegates would get an ongoing process that would allow them to try out new techniques and gain confidence by experimenting.

   Also give them a resource through which they could network with each other to share successes and failures (not that many of us like to share our failures, but it is very beneficial when we do).

   Its really all about getting them to see how they project themselves to others (in this case, through the medium of written communications).

   If you want to chat over ideas then contact me.

   Nigel

3. All three
   Hi Mark,

   I agree with Nigel,
   “Also give them a resource through which they could network with each other to share successes and failures (not that many of us like to share our failures, but it is very beneficial when we do).”

   I’ve been involved in some projects and we found that despite the fact it took effort to create these systems, once it exists it takes on an energy of its own. The first few days maybe a struggle, but communication develops and friendships are built. Participants gradually rely less on the ‘experts’ and start to realize that they themselves are experts in subjects that are important to them, within the organisation. They can give their opinions and can both give and receive assistance from other participants.

   An example is to take a room of people and tell them to clap in rhythm. Do not start clapping yourself; let the people start clapping. It only takes three or four claps before they are all in rhythm. No one told them what speed to clap at, or how loud.
   People want to clap in rhythm.

   Provide the resource as Nigel stated, then build upon that. Allow the individuals to drive it, they know what is important to them at any specific moment. It will work, beleive me!

   Hope this helps

   Douglas King