Training Modules

Online Training Modules

The Reporting Unit has developed online training modules to assist staff in writing reports. Three modules are now available: Keep It Short and Simple, which focuses on writing clearly for your target audience; Making Sense of Numbers, which explains how to express complex numbers simply; and Writing In Style, which offers advice, tips and quizzes on grammatical and style topics.

Writing In Style complements the OCHA Style Guide (print-ready Style Guide/on-screen Style Guide). Please send feedback or questions to ochareporting@un.org 

Making Sense of Numbers

Keep it Short and Simple

The main topics covered:

  • Expressing numbers in a meaningful way
  • Comparing numbers effectively
  • Rounding and simplifying complex numbers
  • Using percentages and multiples to express orders of magnitude
  • Using tables and graphs to express numbers visually

The main topics covered:

  • Writing in short sentences
  • Focusing on what is required by your audience
  • Using acronyms
  • Explaining technical terms
  • Using bullet points

Writing in Style

  

The main topics covered:

  • Passive versus Active
  • Hyphens
  • Apostrophes
  • Commonly Confused Words
  • Avoiding Unnecessary Words