Clients looking to organise a copywriting course usually start by letting me know numbers – and maybe a date too. They might want a workshop for just a few people, or up to 12 – even more. Although I’ve always thought of 12 as a comfy maximum number, I’ll consider more delegates – as long as the venue has enough elbow room, and there are enough computers to go round for writing. ‘One between two’ is fine. And people really like working in pairs and sharing ideas.
Choices, choices
The next priority is the content. Some clients have mainstream copywriting needs such as web pages, brochures and newsletters; others have very specific requirements – like wanting to write better blurbs for the back of DVD cases, or even closed-circuit TV screen captions.
For a full day’s course, I normally suggest covering between two to three specific copywriting areas such as these in addition to modules on core copywriting skills and tone of voice. My ‘Grammar school!’ and proofreading modules also find their way into most copywriting courses – because most clients find them very useful.
Keeping it real
Next up is getting samples of ‘real life’ client material to cover each area the client is interested in. So once I’ve received pdfs of previous brochures, webpage references and newsletters etc, I can then start focusing on planning the practicals around them. I’ll also write a ‘fair copy’ (my version) to share alongside the work that delegates produce in the session.
This last bit is when it’s great to see how much delegates have picked up on the day – and started experimenting with new ways of doing things.A ‘Top Takeaways’ round-up to finish off is another good way to check what people will take away from the course – the overwhelming majority feeding back that the day far exceeded their expectations.
Possible next blog post? Copywriting core skills
Monday’s eight-delegate copywriting course for JISC in Bristol – the UK’s expert on information and digital technologies for education and research – went very well indeed. Thanks to all who worked so hard during the day.
