notice 1Do you notice the signs that get put up in public places? Many provide unmatched examples of idiosyncratic spelling, erratic punctuation or contorted grammar. Often, they also display a uniquely British combination of gentility and rudeness: perhaps we want to be polite, but somehow it just comes out being rather offensive.

notice 4We have been out and about snapping examples of the ways in which people ask others to do things, or to refrain from doing things. We don’t want to poke (too much!) fun, but it’s possible to learn a lot about how not to write from these heroic efforts. Try it, and you may find that it's actually not that easy to phrase notices or instructions so that they are firm, clear, polite and grammatically correct.

But we reckon we've only scratched the surface of what could be a rich vein of signage that ranges from the amusing to the officious to the plain incomprehensible. So if you have collected any gems that you'd like to share, please email them to me at nick@word-smiths.co.uk and I'll post them on our gallery. Not funny place names or road signs – they’ve been done to death elsewhere. What we're looking for are notices that people have either dashed out on the computer or hand written.

If you want a quick reference for those finer points of business writing, grammar and punctuation, email us to receive a copy of our e-book Nick's Grammar Slammer (a collection of our previously published ezine articles).

Meanwhile, back in the real world ...

In this issue

Open courses from Word Smiths
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Dealing effectively with information overload is one of the toughest challenges that face people today. Word Smiths' public courses are an easy, enjoyable way to acquire skills that will help you keep your head above water. You will learn:

Course dates

Some evaluation sheet comments from previous participants

Costs & bookings

£250 per delegate: £450 for two delegates. Includes lunch, refreshments and course materials (ex VAT).

Discounts and in-company courses

More than two people interested in attending? Contact us about multiple discounts - or have you considered an in-company course (ie held at your own premises?

Click here to book, or email or call us on 01873 857556 if you'd like to discuss any aspects of these courses.

Why you need Mind Mapping
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shopping mind mapInformation has long been recognised as the single most important factor that determines success in human enterprise. However, what many people now realise is that the human brain is slowly being overwhelmed by tidal wave of knowledge that is threatening to engulf us. The problem is not so much knowing information, but how to keep on acquiring information. This is a major challenge because the knowledge we need simply to keep our heads above water is changing so rapidly - once every six months or so is the current estimate.

Many people have found that Mind Mapping has revitalised their whole approach to thinking and note taking. This simple technique has enabled them to record, organise, and analyse large volumes of information and to see clearly how different pieces of data relate to each other.

Continues ... click/right click here to view/download pdf of the complete article (220KB).

If you want to know how to create your own brilliant Mind Maps, email us to receive a copy of our e-book Mind Mapping for Success.

Memory and Learning for Success
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How to learn and recall the information you need for success

ML product photoMemory and Learning for Success wrapperThis audio book is for anyone who wants to be able to retain important facts, names and dates. It's for you if you'd like to be able to recall the main themes of a book you have read or film you have seen. And, wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to remember the key points of a presentation or speech without having to refer to notes?

This audio book and booklet offer you some steps you can take to make the most of your fantastic potential. With these skills and approaches you will be able to remember everything that you need - names, facts, figures, lists and appointments. At the same time your creativity, efficiency and confidence will improve.

Don't just take our word for it - here's a review posted on Amazon by education administrator Jackie Barry:

"If you are looking for ways to improve your memory I recommend this package. Through using easy and fun exercises and techniques Jane Smith introduces practical ways to develop your capacity for remembering. I tried her ideas straight away with my shopping list and it works!

This is the little book that gets you big results – buy it now from our store (best prices if you want to purchase more than one title or copy) or from Amazon (cheaper if you want to buy just this publication).

Click/right click here to view/download a pdf brochure for this publication (875 KB). Or email us if you'd like to receive printed brochures on all our publications.

Coaching and Mentoring for Success
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OCR endorses unique package for supporting learners in the workplace

Coaching and Mentoring for Success"Gives a clear understanding of the roles", "Explains the skills simply", "I was happy to sit and listen at Christmas!", 'Clear message to empower learners".

Coaching and Mentoring for SuccessCoaching and Mentoring for Success is a package of materials consisting of two audio CDs, a 32-page booklet and access to downloadable resources including forms, action plans, learning contracts and a pdf of the audio script. OCR has endorsed these resources for helping users to achieve the knowledge elements of the OCR Certificate in Coaching Learners and the OCR Certificate in Mentoring in the Workplace.

This is a unique and powerful package: Deputy Head Teacher Caroline Haynes emailed us last week to say:

"I just wish I'd had access to such a valuable resource at the start of my mentoring experiences. This package certainly made me reflect on my own role. In particular it made me recognise the need to … encourage those being mentored to independent in their goal of personal development."

Here are some of the comments from OCR:

"The package compliments the Learning and Development Units and Awards and are useful resources for someone undertaking them. I particularly liked the examples of what the documentation could look like …"

You will ll experience the quality yourself when you purchase a copy from our store (best prices if you want to purchase more than one title or copy) or from Amazon (cheaper if you want to buy just this publication).

Click/right click here to view/download a pdf brochure for this publication (875 KB). Or email us if you'd like to receive printed brochures on all our publications.