Writing Clearly for Clients and Colleagues: The Human Service Practitioner's Guide - Softcover

Ames, Natalie; FitzGerald, Katy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 193587165X ISBN 13: 9781935871651

Publisher: Lyceum Books Inc.,U.S., 2015

Synopsis

If you have ever waded through a rambling case summary, a jargon-heavy program description, or a poorly organised training manual, you are aware of how important it is for human service agencies written materials to be clear and concise. Whether in print or electronic format, most agencies must provide information to a variety of audiences. Ames and FitzGerald have developed a guide to help human service professionals clearly communicate valuable information to board members, funding sources, volunteers, and perhaps most importantly clients with limited literacy skills.

The book highlights how readers can apply readability guidelines to improve all of the print and electronic materials agencies use to communicate with internal and external audiences. Whether creating a brochure, sending an email, writing a grant, or documenting case records, human service professionals can make their messages clear and understandable by following the guide s simple rules and practical suggestions. Features: information about reading and comprehension; instructions for setting reading levels, using layout, and creating content that make print materials readable; before-and-after writing examples; exercises for practicing literacy skills and techniques.

About this title

Review

"Identifying the connection between poverty, educational attainment and reading ability, the authors appropriately identify that service users may benefit most from readable materials. It is not only the poor who may have difficulty reading an agency's materials however, and a much wider audience can benefit from the identification of what a specific audience needs to know and providing that information clearly, simply and concisely. Obtaining the skills to complete this task is what the book aims to provide."
--Journal of Social Work

"There is a real depth of information and guidance provided within a short space..."
--Journal of Social Work

"Identifying the connection between poverty, educational attainment and reading ability, the authors appropriately identify that service users may benefit most from readable materials. It is not only the poor who may have difficulty reading an agency's materials however, and a much wider audience can benefit from the identification of what a specific audience needs to know and providing that information clearly, simply and concisely. Obtaining the skills to complete this task is what the book aims to provide."
--Journal of Social Work

"There is a real depth of information and guidance provided within a short space..."
--Journal of Social Work

About the Author

Natalie Ames (MSW and EdD, West Virginia University, USA) is associate professor of social work at North Carolina State University, USA. Her social work experience includes public welfare, medical social work, and individual and group counselling. While working for different agencies, she developed accessible educational materials and training programs for professionals and the general public.

Katy FitzGerald (MSW, North Carolina State University, USA) is a clinical social worker at R. J. Blackley Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center. Prior to her social work career, FitzGerald held positions in technology marketing where she developed her ability to translate difficult, technical information into easy-to-read written material for clients.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lyceum Books Inc.,U.S.
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 193587165X
• ISBN 13: 9781935871651
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 165