USM employs powerful, methodical approaches that have already proven their value elsewhere. For communication, USM uses the Three Steps of Thinking, the text strategy method. The core of text strategy is entirely analogous to USM’s architectural approach: first think/discuss and define choices, and only then produce a text.
The free TVF tool (text preparation form) structures these steps for you in a fillable PDF with instructions and links to supporting web pages. This digital tool helps you prepare new texts and analyze and subsequently strengthen existing ones.
Do you prefer to work in English? Then request the English version of the tool.
Anyone registered as a TVF user automatically receives free updates and tips on text strategy.
Three Steps of Thinking, the method for text strategy, is managed by Consonante Communicatie, a USM product partner.
If you want to learn more about text strategy, read the book Text Strategy. There is both a printed hardcover edition and an e-book. Or take a short training course on Text Strategy for USM.
Text Strategy is an eye-opener: think first and define your choices, and only then produce your text! Once you’ve mastered that, your texts will be shorter and more effective, and you’ll have happy readers.
