Effective Writing for Digital: Fundamental Skills

Learn how to write clearly and appropriately for a variety of audiences 

This one-day digital writing course will cover the key principles of storytelling and how to write concise copy without sacrificing style and impactful tone of voice.

What you’ll learn: Key principles of effective and persuasive digital writing

No matter how great the story you’re telling, readers will soon check out if your copy isn’t clear and concise. In the digital world, this is even more important.

This digital writing course course will introduce the key principles of storytelling for all platforms, from the inverted pyramid to the 5Ws. Practical exercises on simplifying and decoding complex language will give you straightforward alternatives to commonly-used, over-complicated phrases and you’ll leave with a checklist to use in your day-to-day work.  

You’ll also explore how to create personas to define your audience and find a suitable tone of voice to speak to them – always thinking about what makes digital writing really sing.   

This course encourages critical thinking and thorough discussions, you’ll examine how some of the biggest publications subtly (or not so subtly) persuade readers in their news and features writing.  

You’ll take a deeper look into what makes a compelling opinion piece, learning how to structure and deliver an impactful argument, and the session will end with advice and insights from some of the media’s most prominent publishers.   

How you’ll learn

This three-module digital writing course will be led by an experienced editor, who will share their knowledge and expertise through presentations, discussion and practical exercises.  

Who the course is for

This digital writing course is for anyone who wants to sharpen their skills and build confidence in creating punchy and impactful copy. It offers a brilliant overview of different writing styles and types of content.  

If you’re looking to build skills as a news journalist, you might also like News Writing Fundamentals: Write Stories With Impact or for a deeper look at feature writing, you might like Features Masterclass: Writing with Flair and Focus

We currently offer this course as bespoke training for teams and can deliver it remotely, or in your offices. Get in touch using the button below to discuss times and dates, as well as how we can tailor it to your needs. 

Course Modules

Principles of Effective Writing

  1. Language and readability
  2. Simplifying language
  3. Clarity, style and impact
  4. Decoding language
  5. Writing tips

Fundamentals of Storytelling

  1. The inverted pyramid
  2. The five Ws (and H)
  3. Defining an audience
  4. Establishing tone of the voice
  5. Further writing tips

Persuasive Writing

  1. The morning’s papers
  2. Opinion writing: Topic, theme and point
  3. Thought leadership writing
  4. Lessons from prominent publishers
press release training

Effective Writing for Digital: Fundamental Skills

Learn how to write clearly and appropriately for a variety of audiences 

Get in touch

What our students say

View all testimonials

The teaching I received was second to none and despite having no experience whatsoever in journalism, the tutors made sure there was a friendly environment where I felt welcome to ask any questions I needed. I was able to finish the course and go into a job working for The Sun.

Olivia Allhusen
, Junior Journalist
, The Sun

The methods and techniques you learn (and apply) on a daily basis through teaching, coursework and eventually exams crop up again and again in both job applications and jobs themselves – the course content is directly relevant to the realities of the industry. 

James Saunders
, Digital News Reporter
, GB News

The team is flexible, slick, well-resourced and overall simply first class. Their expertise and knowledge have been invaluable. I was delighted with our choice, so I’d have no hesitation in recommending them

Prostate Cancer UK
, Head of External Relations

I really could not recommend Press Association enough to anyone who is looking to jump into the fascinating world of journalism. The course equips you with all the necessary skills you need to enter the industry and the wide range of topics covered leaves it hard for you to ever feel bored.

Holly Bishop
, Digital Reporter
, GB News

It’s a great place to make connections – networking with teachers, guest speakers and fellow students can be key to gaining advice or even job opportunities during and after the course. 

James Saunders
, Digital News Reporter
, GB News 

I honestly thought that the whole day was fabulous!!! You really couldn’t have done anymore for us. The combination of practical exercises and feedback was particularly useful, it was a challenging day (in a very good way) in that we really had to think, learn and adapt quickly. I know the team are significantly better prepared for media interviews after this training.

Fragile X Society
, Managing Director

Contact us

Do you wish to train on one of our specialist courses? Start by filling in the application form – we’ll ask you for some important information such as your education and employment history.

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Contact us

For more information , simply fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
By submitting this application form you confirm your acceptance that the information you have provided will be used during the recruitment procedure. Once the recruitment procedure is completed, the data will be stored for one year and then destroyed. If you are the successful candidate, relevant information may be taken from this form and used as part of your personnel record.
If you would like to receive regular updates from PA Media Academy, please tick here:

Contact us

For more information , simply fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch.