Colin Parker, Principal, GAAP Consulting
Clear, concise, and timely words are essential to my business. My newsletters, social-media posts, brochures and advice require a professional edge to compliment the hard drafting efforts. Stephen Downes is my go-to. Over several years, Stephen has given life to my dry technical work. I marvel at the changes he suggests–the power of his editing can’t be understated. Not only do my communications become easily readable. They are more concise.
I am pleased with the positive effects he has on my brand and, importantly, the feedback from readers. Stephen Downes is an essential part of my business … as he should be with yours.
Professor Robin Gerster, Monash University
In my former role as director of the Literary and Cultural Studies Graduate Program at Monash University, I knew Stephen Downes personally and professionally. Stephen produced (in 2018) an outstanding submission for his doctorate, which included an 84,000-word novel and a 34,000-word thesis.
I have read a couple of his short stories, and they are both hugely entertaining and reverberating with cultural import. Stephen’s work is really excellent, eminently publishable.
Edwin Giliams, Partner, Visual Development
Stephen gave style and precision to our website’s front-page copy. I was surprised by the conversion. Our fairly pedestrian words became sleek and more meaningful. They had more impact. Yet they were somehow easier to read. I recommend his skills unreservedly.
Lauren Hay, Writer (see Verge 2019: Uncanny [Monash University Publishing])
Though the concept of having someone ‘edit’ one’s writing can be daunting, Stephen made it exciting. Rather than feeling my story was being changed or the creative intent glossed over, Stephen encouraged me to write without compromise while still being clear about what the publication team expected. Any potential change that was suggested was given a reason, rather than a hurdle to clear. The editing process felt like an opportunity to relish, so I did.
Endorsements of training and teaching
Fifteen computer professionals attending an information-systems course at Monash University responded anonymously. Downes’s program was rated one of the three best of their week at the university. A significant 96.5 per cent of the respondents thought it was ‘very good’ or ‘good’. Among additional comments were:
‘Run it again.’
‘Excellent evening.’
‘Brilliant – don’t change a thing.’
Thirty executives of the Catholic Church Insurances Limited were equally responsive.
Some of their comments were:
‘The best seminar I have attended to date!!’
‘Clear and concise.’
‘Very informative…I would appreciate more of this.’
The seven-person-strong Security and Investigation Service of Australia Post reacted to Downes’s seminar with a 4.7 (out of 5) Likert score. Among comments made were:
‘All relevant.’
‘It was very enjoyable as well as educational.’
‘Excellent material well presented.’
Eleven senior executives of the Australian Industrial Development Corporation scored my program 4.2 (out of 5). Ninety-four per cent of responses were either positive or very positive.
‘Strongly recommend for senior operational managers.’
‘All material relevant.’
‘All quite valuable…valuable course.’
‘I thought it was all excellent.’
Eighteen senior associates and partners of Freehill Hollingdale & Page scored my program 4.3 out of 5.
Cliff Stratton, vice-president and general manager Asia Pacific Division of Hitachi Data Systems called the workshop a ‘wonderful evening’. He added: ‘You made the learning process not only enjoyable, but by illustrating it through the meal with “in front of your eyes” examples the lessons stuck!’
Jill Mason, education director of the Meeting Industries Association of Australia wrote in thanks for a ‘splendid presentation’.
Tim Sexton, general manager catering services for Spotless, said; ‘My particular worry that people might “take offence” (in that training inferred a table-manners problem) did not occur as Stephen cleverly avoided any personalisation of the subject matter and kept it at an informative and broad level.’
Andrew Nodding, director of human resources for the Hyatt Regency Perth, said the objectives set for the program ‘were not only met but surpassed’.
Jane Sommerville, manager business sales for Australia Post, said: ‘What could have been a touchy subject was handled with tact, sensitivity and humour. The feedback from each group has been extremely positive and I have observed a conscious effort being made to apply the skills.’
Martin Littler, investment manager for Australian equities at Potter Warburg Asset Management Limited, found the workshop ‘most beneficial’. He added: ‘I would encourage all who entertain clients to consider a programme such as this.’