This Simplified Technical English (STE) workshop has equipped me with the right kind of STE knowledge and skill sets to move forward confidently in my role as a technical writing team leader. I am glad that I was able to attend this course!
Team Leader Technical Writing, Hansem EUG
STE Rule 1.3 Use approved words only with their approved meaning is my go-to rule. My favourite STE verbs are “examine”, “measure” and “make sure”. I always use the non-approved verbs of “check” and “inspect” before. I highly recommend this course to other people. If most people write with STE, technical work steps will become clearer and easier for understanding.
Kevin Zhao Kai Vibration Analyst, Maersk Drilling
Lufthansa Systems FlightNav Inc. Zürich recommends the professional and qualified ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English training provided by Dr. Frans Wijma from Shufra Consultancy
Juergen Kuhnhenn Head of Lido/RouteManual Standards bei Lufthansa Systems
The information presented was clear and succinct. Exercises provided helped me understand and grasp the concept of Simplified English from the very beginning of the training. A 10/10 rating from me. When it comes to rules about Simplified English writing, I very much like the use of active voice, having a list of approved verbs as a useful resource, and the encouraged use of pronouns (you, we, it, them). To me, clear rules are the bedrock of consistent text and document creation.
I've found the STE exercises very useful since the examples in them are well focussed and cover issues we encounter in our daily work. Overall, I have found this training workshop to be well-structured, Shumin came well prepared, was well organised, clear & an easy speaker to follow. Thank you for the great training!
Sylvia Helfenstein Technical author, proofreader, Penpoint Text Editing Services GmbH
The introduction to Simplified Technical English (STE) was simple to follow and understand. Rule 1.4 to use only the approved forms of verbs and adjectives from the STE dictionary is something that I appreciate very much. Applying the rules faithfully was a challenging albeit enjoyable process. There is a lot of good writing rules to learn here. I've found the exercises to be very useful for learning reinforcement, and they have helped me to apply STE rules in a more efficient manner and I've gained a much better understanding of STE as a result. Shumin's training methodology is easy to follow, and she offers us great technical writing advice and has simplified the process for us. Every aspect of this training is a 10/10 for me.
Nour Bazuhair Engineer Trainee, NIMR Automotive
Shumin is personable and easy to work with, so it was great to work together on aviation management related events during her tenure. She is a good communicator, and a consultative manager who would often involve others in problem solving, team building, and focuses her time on more important activities while providing proper recognition, which I am appreciative of.
Joyce Tay Senior Executive, Programme & Event Management at Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
I've found all the rules introduced in this workshop equally valuable and applicable in my field of work. The ASD-STE100 Specification is very useful for searching examples and finding STE compliant alternatives. It was also great that we has such a large number of practical exercises. Personally, it would be more valuable to have more context available. This helps us judge how to apply STE optimally. Thank you Shumin! Your workshop was concise, clear, and pragmatic. I also liked the occasional humour! 🙂
Diane Goodrick, Information Architect/ Author Trainer Schindler Managment AG
Keep doing what you’re doing - it’s a good subject and a very helpful class! I like the list of approved words. This could really help clarify and harmonize the writing in an organization. My other favourite STE rule being: Do not write noun clusters of more than 3 nouns. It helps when reading and writing texts also outside of STE.
TCLoc Master's Programme Student University of Strasbourg
I attended Frans's training course in Simplified Technical English in June 2010 and I am very glad I did. Apart from being an engaging speaker and managing to enunciate 57 and a half writing rules in three hours without boring you for a second, Frans is a brilliant technically-minded linguist - a rare find. The ease with which he can turn convoluted (or downright bad) material into crystal-clear technical writing, at first sight and without hesitation, didn't cease to amaze me throughout the training sessions. Frans is personable, flexible, an extremely knowledgeable scholar and an excellent teacher. The two days spent in training with him definitely enriched my skill set. I can wholeheartedly recommend him, as an efficient trainer, enthralling presenter, and leading documentation expert. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative
Nadina Rosentuler Senior Technical Writer, IDE Technologies
Shumin did a very good job of explaining how the compliance in a language standard like STE varies from one industry to another, and is nothing like the law that enforces strict rules based on deterrence. Rather, it is a user-friendly standard that writers can turn to in times of need for consistency and standardising. My favourite STE rule is simply to use only approved technical words with the correct meaning and part of speech assigned.
Noldi Odermatt, Geschäftsführer / Partner Aceon AG