Clarity of language

This rather delightful invitation just came through,

"The European Institute of Public Administration is organising a workshop entitled “From Project Proposal to Final Report: Formal Writing in English for Public Officials”,

Which everybody must agree would be a splendid idea. For the trifleling sum of € 485 (plus €90 for the hotel) you can take part. For that money you get

Welcome and introduction to the workshop
Sylvia Archmann, Austrian Seconded National Expert, European Institute of Public Administration (NL)
Vera Zegers, Communication and Language Trainer, Maastricht (NL)

Theoretical introduction to formal writing in English
Going through a step-by-step approach to writing official documents

Vera Zegers, we are told "studied Linguistics, Theology and Intercultural Communication in Germany and Finland". She is "Proficient in three languages, she has vast experience in both the theory and practice of spoken and written communication. After having been the Head of the English Department at Maastricht University Language Centre for several years, she is now working as a freelance communication and language trainer".

Excellent, Sylvia meanwhile made it clear what the course was going to do for all those willing little bureacrats.

"The objective of this workshop is to give new tools to assist public officials in formal English writing through the entire process of project documentation. During this workshop, the features of effective project-related formal English writing will be explored, providing opportunities to experience new techniques for cooperative and step-by-step writing, to learn to avoid common grammar and style mistakes in formal written English, and to put new insights into practice.

This one-and-a-half day workshop will be organized on a flexible and interactive manner, largely depending on the interests and contribution of the participants."

Methinks that Sylvia might have to go on her own course. The above, I would not hesitate to point out, is hardly, ahem going to make life easier for use proles.