A Grammar Workshop
for Journalists

DEKALB -- At a time when journalists' credibility stands in question, our ability to communicate clearly and with authority is more important than ever. Sharp news writing begins with good grammar. While journalists may never need to know a subordinate conjunction from a compound modifier, a story filled with grammatical errors or convoluted sentences hurts our credibility -- either with editors or, too many times, with readers.

On Friday, June 13, a Northern Illinois Newspaper Association workshop comes to the rescue. Veteran copy editor Barry Wood will lead journalists through an interactive crash course on grammar. Wood writes a weekly column for the Rockford Register Star called "Wood on Words."

Who should attend? Journalists of any experience level who want to sharpen their writing or editing skills. This is not a remedial grammar course, but an honest look at some of the most common trouble spots for even the best writers. You will go home with the tools to improve your writing, plus ideas and techniques to share with the rest of your staff.

What: Workshop on grammar, clear writing and journalistic credibility.

When: Friday, June 13.

Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Where: Note room change! Lincoln Room, second floor, Holmes Student Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. Map

Parking: You have three options ...

• Park free in the NIU Visitor Lot, which has temporaily moved to Lucinda Avenue just west of the student center.
• Park free in any YELLOW lot. The closest yellow lots to the student center are at Chick Evans Field House or Anderson Hall.
• Park at the Newman Catholic Student Center, off Normal Road a block north of the student center, for $3 (pay inside).

Cost: $20 for first participant from each newspaper; $10 each additional participant.

What to bring: Questions about grammar and writing. What gives you fits?

To register: Call the NIU Department of Communication at (815) 753-1564. Or e-mail dditrichs@niu.edu.

Deadline to register: Friday, June 6.

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