Mindful Written Communication

This course is a result of reviewing thousands of written assignments submitted to me by my students. Over the years I have realized there is a somewhat limited and reoccurring list of problems in student writing. These problems can diminish one's communication effectiveness and prevent one from realizing one's full potential in his or her profession. Effective written communication is an essential skill in every field of human endeavor. Interestingly, being able to communicate ideas clearly in writing often has little to do with the writer’s knowledge of English. Therefore, this course is not about the rules of English language. This course focuses primarily on the principles of written communication that make communication more effective, regardless of which language is used for communication. Written communication effectiveness is defined here as the ability to get one’s written message recipient to understand the true intended message with the minimum amount of time and effort. Mastering and practicing these principles will make one’s academic papers, notes, memos, emails, reports, manuals, books, etc. easier to understand and, thus, more likely to influence others. I am confident that completing this course will be on the best investments of time and money you have ever made.

Requirements Basic knowledge of English language