Whether you are looking for information on writing and speaking in general or for some particular assignment - for example, for a presentation, organizing a meeting, writing a business letter, a press release or a CV - this guide to writing and speaking seeks to provide the guidance and ideas needed to communicate more effectively and to achieve greater success. The guide covers a wide range of topics, and provides both practical quick-reference advice on specific topics as well as more detailed, self-help chapters on the English language, on the process of writing, and on getting your message across effectively. The more detailed chapters tackle areas such as audience, different ways of communicating, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, speech, planning, researching, drafting and revising a piece of writing, and using technology. The text is designed specifically as a practical guide for general readers and for post-16 students. Advisers from the fields of business, law, government, teaching, marketing, and publishing have all had input into the text, making it up-to-date and relevant to the needs of the reader. The text is two-colour throughout, with illustrations and examples to help explain the points being made. "You Try" boxes allow the reader to have a go at some of the ideas suggested, and distinctively designed summary boxes highlight the key points to help them pick up information quickly.
Before becoming a full-time writer, I taught English and drama in schools and colleges in Britain, Indonesia, and Kenya. While still teaching, I was lead author of the highly successful series of textbooks, 'Oxford Secondary English'.
In 1987 I stopped teaching to take up writing full-time. Since then I have about a hundred titles to my name, including both educational and trade books, covering topics as diverse as Shakespeare and Pompeii. Recent books include 'The Oxford A-Z of Grammar and Punctuation' and 'The Oxford Guide to Effective Speaking and Writing'.
I now run my own company specialising in the authoring, editing and publication of non-fiction print books and ebooks.
My latest title is available in print, Kindle and ePub versions: 'Lexis, an introduction to English Words'.
Find out more about me and my work at: www.johnseely.com.
