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Orange County <br /> Board of Commissioners <br /> Action Agenda Item Abstract <br /> Meeting Date: September 16, 1997 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. q.,A_ <br /> Subject: Writing and Presentation Training - Update and Next Steps <br /> Department: County Manager Public Hearing: Yes No X <br /> Budget Amendment <br /> Needed: Yes No X <br /> Attachment(s): Information Contact: <br /> John Link, County Manager, <br /> 1 - Draft Guidelines Extension 2300 <br /> Telephone Number: <br /> 2 - Possible Discussion Questions Relating Hillsborough 732-8181 <br /> to the Structure of the Communications Chapel Hill 968-4501 <br /> Process Durham 688-7331 <br /> Mebane 227-2031 <br /> Purpose: To receive a report on the writing and presentation training to <br /> date and to consider whether the Board of Commissioners <br /> wishes to pursue further discussion on the communications <br /> aspects of Board meetings and the agenda process. <br /> Background: Initial Steps <br /> For 1997-98 the County implemented an initiative to improve the <br /> quality of written materials and oral information provided to <br /> elected officials and citizens for decision-making. The initial <br /> steps in this initiative have included: <br /> • Developing draft written guidelines (Attachment 1) for Orange <br /> County written communications and oral presentations and <br /> • Completing a pilot two day training workshop on "Governing <br /> Well By Communicating Well" conducted by Dr. Catherine <br /> Smith. <br /> Pilot Workshop <br /> The purpose of the pilot training workshop was to test the draft <br /> communication guidelines and develop skills in writing and <br /> speaking. The workshop included County Commissioners <br /> Margaret Brown and Alice Gordon as well as the two Assistant <br />