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DCU Graduate shows the ‘write’ way forward
DCU Graduate shows the ‘write’ way forward

DCU Graduate shows the ‘write’ way forward

Minister for Business and Employment Gerald Nash and Professor Joe O’Hara, Head of Education in DCU, supported by Dr Justin Rami from DCUs Further Education & Training Research Centre (FETRC), launched a new book which makes it easy for everyone to improve their grammar, spelling and communication skills. Written by County Louth teacher, and DCU graduate of the BSc in Education & Training Fiona O’Murchú, Write Talk dispenses with complicated rules and sticks to the basics so a strong framework for writing and speaking can be developed.

Speaking at the launch in Dublin City University this week, the Minister quoted Tony O’Donohoe of IBEC when he said that ‘a growing number of employers are voicing their concern about falling standards in written communication amongst their staff.’   He believes that there really is no match in the public or private sector for the ability to communicate with clarity, style and precision.  

In his speech Professor O’Hara says that ‘Write Talk provides the key elements to crack the code of communication and give people the confidence to express themselves both verbally and in writing.’

Fiona, who has a background in advertising and art as well as communication, makes a rousing appeal to those in education and business to lead the way by making poor writing and communication unacceptable in school, college and the world of business.  

‘As we are all using devices to communicate, it is now more important than ever to be able to get your point across clearly and accurately regardless of whether you are writing it or saying it.    Internet sales rely almost exclusively on the written word and we should be capitalising on the fact that we are the only English speaking country in the Eurozone. We can all benefit from the opportunity to sharpen our English, minimise mistakes and stamp out the complacency surrounding good grammar. With a combined effort from business and education, we can at last meet the challenge of improving literacy and communication standards in both education and the workplace.  

From projects and assignments to CVs and job interviews, grammatical errors and poor verbal skills take away from the intended strength and level of competency required in literacy.  We need these skills if we are to compete with international competition and achieve greater academic, economic and personal success.’  

The event was supported by DCUs Further Education & Training Research Centre (FETRC). Dr Justin Rami Director of the Centre said, 

“As the world of work and education become increasingly complex for young people to navigate it is essential that learners are able to communicate and express their knowledge, views and opinions effectively. Fiona’s book will have a significant impact in addressing this. This book is not only helpful for learners but also for teachers, tutors educational support services. FETRC are delighted and take great pride I supporting the launch of this book”

The launch was attended by Senator Jim D’Arcy, Fine Gael spokesperson on education in the Senate, Senator Mary Moran, Labour spokesperson on education in the Senate, Dr Justin Rami, Director of the Further Education and Training Research Centre (FETRC), DCU, Mr Peter Kearns, CEO Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith and many others in business and education.

Write Talk is available at www.writetalk.ie