Tools for Technical Writing is a series of technical writing seminars developed by Ann Birch, Editech. Ann is a chemist and was a researcher at The Dow Chemical Company for 11 years. She has been an independent technical writer and editor and a Dow consultant since 1985. The seminars have been given many times since 1987 at most U.S., Canadian, and European Dow sites and at several other companies. In 2010, the seminars were redesigned for web presentation and now are offered to any company wishing to take advantage of this training. If you have a question or would like to schedule a web seminar for your group, contact Ann Birch at ann.birch@editech-mi.com, 989-832-7485. The seminars can be adapted to fit your company’s reporting process.

WRITING THE CORPORATE RESEARCH REPORT

This 4-hour web seminar is designed specifically for authors of corporate research reports. It is not intended as an all-encompassing style guide. Rather, the intent is to address typical writing problems and the questions that authors frequently ask. The objective of the seminar is not only to help authors improve the quality of their writing, but also to take some of the "pain" out of the writing process. This is accomplished in part through discussions of report content, with examples of each part of the report. A plan for writing a report is included that guides the author through the writing process, and a section is devoted to writing problems and errors and how to correct them.

The seminar provides the most value to employees who have over four months R&D experience or who have completed one technical report. The seminar is also useful for managers who edit or review reports.

The cost of the seminar is $150 per participant and includes access to an extensive online manual. Maximum session size is 10 participants. Minimum session size is 7 participants.

AUTOMATING AND FORMATTING TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS

This 3-hour web seminar is intended for technical professionals or office professionals who would like to learn the advanced features of Microsoft^® Word 2007 that will make preparation of technical documents, such as corporate technical reports, white papers, etc., easier and faster. You will get hands-on practice using Microsoft Word 2007 for a technical report. Subjects covered include:

Time is also allowed for additional how-to questions. Although it is helpful to have general experience with Microsoft Word 2007, it is not necessary. You do need to have Microsoft Word 2007 installed on your computer.

The cost of the seminar is $150 per participant and includes access to an extensive online manual. Maximum session size is 10 participants. Minimum session size is 7 participants.

INTRODUCTION TO THE CORPORATE RESEARCH REPORT

This 1.5-hour presentation provides an introduction to the corporate research report: why it is important, what it needs to cover, and tips on how to write efficiently and well. Participants are invited to submit questions, and a question and answer period is also included in the session.

The cost of the presentation is $300 for a group. Maximum session size is 25 participants. Access to an extensive online manual is available at an additional cost per participant.