Folks, I got stranded in DFW on my way home from Chicago last week and did not get home in time to begin the Communication for Pros workshop that was to begin last Saturday. Therefore, I have reworked the series as follows.

Blogging 101: Thursday, April 13, 6–8:30 p.m. – Blogging can be a great way to draw attention to a business or cause. This workshop will help you get started. We will answer the following questions:

• Introduction: What do you need to think about before you begin?
• Context: Where and how will people find your blog?
• Big Picture: What are the basic guidelines for effective blogging?
• Make it Worthwhile: What will keep readers coming back to my blog?
• Visual Appeal: How should I illustrate my blog?
• Analysis of a Blog Post: Show me!

Writing for the Ear: Saturday, April 29, 9–11:30 a.m. – Preparing for an oral presentation, whether that be a podcast, public service announcement or luncheon speech to a local civic organization, requires a different kind of writing. We will answer these questions:

• Introduction: What do you need to think about before beginning?
• Listening vs. Reading: What differences dictate how we write?
• Medium: What are the benefits and constraints of speaking in person vs. via radio vs. via television?
• Guidelines: What are the do’s and don’ts of writing for each aural medium?
• Visual Appeal: Aha! You thought you didn’t need to worry about that, right? Wrong!
• Practice: Let’s write a 30-second radio PSA (public service announcement).

PowerPoints that Work: Thursday, May 4, 6-8:30 p.m. – Am I the only one who has suffered through an insufferably weak Power Point? I doubt it. It doesn’t have to be that way! Power Points can be a lively, fun tool that go a long way in helping you convey whatever you are trying to teach or share. But just because the software is easy to use, does not mean that effective Power Points are the usual outcome. Learn how!

• Introduction: What do you need to think about before beginning?
• Big Picture: What are the basic guidelines for creating effective Power Points?
• Visual Appeal: What do I need to consider in designing and illustrating my Power Point?
• Scripting: What kind of aural content will go with this Power Point, a live person or a recording?
• Critique: Let’s look at some examples.

As a professor emerita of communication, photographer, designer, and blogger, I have a lot to share about these topics and love teaching these skills to others. You can up your game as a communicator!

Call Ruston Artisans at (318) 254-3322 or stop in at 203 W. Alabame St. in Ruston Wednesday, Thursday or Friday to enroll in one, two or all three. The workshops are $30 each and stand alone or make a great 3-part commitment to improving your comm skills.

BTW, for an additional fee of $25/half hour, I will provide one-on-one feedback and critique of your work, either in person or virtually, by appointment.