Do You Want Formula To Write And Speak Better?

Executive Clinic on Language
 Use, Etiquette & Public Speaking  (EXCLU-EPS)

It's unique... multi-dimensional... engaging... fun ... while you sharpen your skills.

Six (6) weeks of deep-rooted therapy on the use of English Language (peculiar to your environment) with modules such as Fundamentals of Practical Grammar, Understanding Sentence Structures, Dealing with Structural Deficiencies and Common Mistakes (in spoken and written English), etc.

The Goal in 6 weeks: Help you to write much better, speak correctly, more confidently and avoid common mistakes

Or you may choose to enroll for Six (6) weeks of pragmatic hands-on training in Public Speaking & Presentation via the three tiers of practical interaction: Foundation, Intermediate and Practical modules (including focus on Psychology, Poise, Elocution, Etc).

The Goal in 6 weeks: - Make you great at public speaking, presentation, and overcome stage fright

* Better Still: Enroll for the two segments (ie Full Training), and add the Finishing Touch: Three (3) weeks of Style & Etiquette! (Possible Crash Programme of 8-10 weeks).

- Time: 10am - 2pm
- Date: Saturdays Only (July-September, 2019)
- Location: Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

OUR TARGET AUDIENCE:
- Business & Media Professionals, Lawyers, Politicians, Entrepreneurs, Producers, Teachers, Educational Media Producers, Researchers, Public Relations Executives, Preachers, Business Development Executives, Policy-Planners, Public Speakers, Marketers, CEOs & Directors, Editors, Copywriters, Speechwriters… and People who are willing to seek improvement!

REQUIREMENTS:
- Be Available Every Saturday (4 hours max)
- Pay Non-refundable Registration Fee (N5,000)
- Call Admin (08033150547) to Request Registration Form
- Full payment of Training Fee before classes commence.

Advanced Clinic Is Mini Varsity

Ozioma Ebirim

- By Ozioma Ebirim

The Advanced Clinic is a four-week intensive course on Language Use and Reporting Skills for Bloggers, Print and Broadcast Journalists, Publicists, Writers, Secretaries and all who care to improve their communicative skills.

The programme has been designed to aid students improve on their writing, reporting, headline casting, style and presentation.

Some of the areas of concentration include: tautologies and cliches, colloquialism, jargons and slangs, prepositions and conjunctions, tricky synonyms and homonyms, among others.

The course is a mini university with a compressed curriculum to enhance students' writing skills and everyday communication. It could be likened to a man who just got back his sight after so many years of blindness.

Attending the class will reveal that language is environmental. One would be able to know the rules in communication as well as language use and common mistakes, in addition to knowing the sins of communication, and the satisfaction of always being in control of one's own medium of communication.

Every one who communicates in English Language should enrol in the Advanced Clinic because it will enable one to be in control of the language of expression. It is indeed a place of making 'diagnosis' and proferring solutions. The clinic offers one the opportunity to know what to say and how to say it.

Mr. Femi Akintunde-Johnson, an award-winning journalist and writer facilitates the clinic with his friends. Mr. FAJ, as he is fondly called, has many firsts in his kitty and has done very well for himself. He is the best coach for the course, as he is a stickler for details and professionalism. His expertise and ability to deliver on his promise stand him out as a person of integrity.

Anyone who desires to communicate well should not hesitate to attend the next advanced clinic. This is because so many people who think they have 'captured' the English language are nowhere close to it and it is worse when one speaks ignorantly in the bid to impress others. The only way to stay afloat in such a situation would be to know the rules of effective communication which are covered in the areas of concentration.

- Ozioma Lilian Ebirim, Publisher (June/July 2018 ADC Workshop Graduate)

My Impressions Of FAJ, The Coach

Aramide Olugbenga-Wyse

By Aramide Olugbenga-Wyse

Being a good writer is what I have always aspired to be, hence reading the works of great writers is my favourite past time. So, when I was privileged to do my industrial attachment with a soft-sell journal, National Encomium magazine, I was elated, simply because I would be working close to one of the writers I have always admired, Femi Akintunde-Johnson.

FAJ, as he is popularly called, is a prolific and engaging writer, whom I have followed since his days at the defunct Fame magazine, up till the time that he was the editor-in-chief of New Treasure magazine. When I heard about the Advanced Clinic with FAJ, I was looking forward to it, even before it started, so I can once again learn from him.

Getting to learn from FAJ is an experience that will stay with me forever. Even though it’s an advanced class, he still takes his time to explain in details, with adequate examples. He uses simple English to illustrate, but once in a while, he will toss in the big words, which makes the class more interesting.

Initially, I thought his Snap Tests were unnecessary, being an advanced class and not a regular school, so why the 'Assignments'? But I later got used to it and realized its importance. FAJ has a lot to share with us that we sometimes stay beyond the allotted time, but no one complained.

His familiarity with us makes it easy for everyone to relate with him. No matter how complex your name may sound, he takes his time to pronounce it. The irregular attendance displayed by some participants, was an indication of how his personality was taken for granted. But due to his obvious genuine desire to make good writers and communicators of us, he insisted on having a make-up session for those that missed 50% of the class before they could get their certificates. Not every lecturer will be that 'generous' when it comes to sharing of knowledge.

- Aramide Olugbenga-Wyse, News Editor, TopRadio 90.9FM (June/July 2018 ADC Workshop Graduate)

How Coach Changed My Misconception

By Joke Ladenegan

I met the Coach Femi Akintunde-Johnson online for the first when I enrolled for the Online Skills Clinic.
The first thing that struck me about him was his attention to details, administrative skills and professionalism.

Joke Ladenegan

I almost quickly concluded in my mind that he must be strict, distant and likely hard to relate with. With this notion, my resolve was to tread carefully. I pictured in my mind "a spirikoko - no nonsense regimental lecturer" who may not be impactful.
His first voice note reminded me of the man, Adolf Hitler. Though the voice note was solemn, it birthed varied thoughts in me.
The classes soon commenced and I began to change my initial thoughts. It was a misconception that had been erroneously conceived.
The real man emerged and I looked forward to "class time". You may ask why?
I found an archive, a fountain of knowledge and skills in the Coach. A thorough professional with an impressive profile. He is also a humble personality with an "air" of simplicity.
Each class ended with a longing for more because there was more to learn. The Coach was quick to point out mistakes and correct them.
Lessons on tricky synonyms, clichés, tautologies and other topics were taught with the aim of ensuring the student understood clearly.
The Coach would recap on topics taught to ensure it is understood. You may have to intimate him the time lapses when lecture time is over. This is not a flaw but a clear indication that he is passionate about impacting.
The Advanced Class was detailed as the Coach was explicit and indept with each topic. His style of introducing guest lecturers with pedigree in their fields of study was apt and an icing on the cake.
I expect him to work towards having an approved school to help tutor and develop more on writing skills. The past four weeks have been inpactful.
Thumbs up always for a worthy English grammar coach I have gladly nicknamed "Mr. Lexis and Structure"!

- Ladejoke Ladenegan, public affairs expert (June/July 2018 ADC Workshop Graduate)

Why You Should Attend Next Advanced Clinic

By Charles Flames

The "Advanced Clinic with the FAJ" is a training that makes you a better practitioner. It builds your sense of reasoning and enlightens you on common mistakes/errors made by Journalists who cast newspaper headlines using wrong formation of words.

Charles Flames

To function effectively and benefit maximally during the class, you must obey instructions given to you by the Coach, as well as paying adequate attention.
You also need to respond briefly and clearly to discussions, questions, comments, and avoid needless and prolonged arguments.
It is vital that participants arrive class at least five minutes before regulation time, to be able to input their presence on the class register.
As we know that the Media is a paradox: It is not held back by strong attachment to age, titles, gender, religion, conventions, etc; yet its fabric is knitted by regard for operational hierarchy, talent, discipline, perseverance, fairness, civility, fundamental rights, dignity and so on. So, let these positive elements pervade your thoughts and actions as you plan to attend the next Advanced Clinic with the FAJ.
Note that in the four-week clinic, the class is basically 16 hours of intensive face-to-face interaction with the Coach, and you also need to be proactive and diligent.

- Charles Flames, OAP at City 105.1 FM (June/July ADC Workshop Graduate)

Saturdays to Remember

By Vanessa Obioha

Vanessa Obioha

I'm a bit selective when it comes to media trainings. The few I have attended in the past didn't leave quite a good impression on me. Often times, I find the facilitators poorly informed. There was this particular scenario where a facilitator told the class that they should stop writing lengthy articles because nobody reads them. She cited New York Times as a good example to follow. I found her observation erroneous because I'm a subscriber to New York Times and they publish lengthy articles which I enjoy reading.
Due to my past experiences, when my boss mentioned the Advanced Skills Clinic to me, I was skeptical. Hope it wasn't going to be another waste of time. However, I decided to give it a try. After all, it would only last four weeks. I can survive that!
My impression of the man, Femi Akintunde-Johnson who every participant in the training calls The Coach started from the introductory messages on the group chats.
I was impressed by his command of English and the concise manner in which he passed the messages across.
Yet, the doubting Thomas in me would not give up. So I arrived at our first meeting in my full detective regalia, looking for flaws. I was greatly humbled at the end of the class.
In many ways, the coach proved to be a man who knew his onions well. At first glance, he looked ordinary, but wait till he opens his intelligent mouth. I liked the fact that he gave practical examples and allowed everyone to express their views even when they are obviously wrong. He was also modest enough to accept an idea that challenges his own beliefs.
What I wasn't counting on however was his sense of humour. It came in very handy as it enlivened the class.
Though he brought guest speakers from different arms of the media to address us on some topics, the Coach's lectures were my favourite part of the training. It was the ease and patience with which he taught that captivated me most.
As the class comes to an end, I'm overwhelmed by mixed feelings. On one hand, I got my Saturdays back; on the other hand, I will miss the four hours of exciting intellectual exchange.

- Vanessa Obioha (reporter with ThisDay) is (Graduate of September, 2018 ADC-2 Workshop/Training)