Think-write started developing its training courses in 1999 after a request from a client. The client saw huge value in the way we transformed the structure and readability of a key document. The information was much easier to understand and use. That document is still being used in 2025 to explain how a government scheme works. The client asked if we could teach their people how to write in plain language.
This request caused us to reflect on our writing practices and experience to seek ways to articulate what we doing. In many ways, our early plain language writing through the 1990s was an intuitive application of logic and good sense, directed at serving the needs of readers. Along with personal reflection, we also read widely, taking note of how other plain language professionals were talking about and explaining their craft.
A clear set of plain language principles emerged. And we developed a robust scaffold to help writers work through the document development process. These principles and process are what we teach in the course Writing well at work.
Over the years we’ve continued to refine our courses. We find better ways to explain ideas so they can be readily applied in the workplace. We’ve developed some specialised content for specific types of documents.
Most of our courses have been run for government agencies, federal and state, and for local councils. However, businesses have also found the courses a valuable way to lift writing skills and improve document performance.
Think-write Consulting is run by Greg Pendlebury.