Writing is
for everyone
Words have the power to inspire, persuade and delight, but writing can sometimes feel difficult or exposing (especially if you were criticised for your grammar at school).
At Verb, we believe everyone in the creative industry — and beyond — has the potential to write well and enjoy writing. Put another way, we think writing is for everyone.
Our workshops are a counterblast to traditional ‘language training’. In one intense day, we encourage people to develop their own creative approach to working with words, placing a strong emphasis on integrating verbal
and visual communication.
Many Verbers go on to put writing at the heart of how they express themselves creatively. Which is why Verb workshops have been described as “a life-changing experience”.
What does
Verb cover?
Our Verb 1/Brand Writing workshop is pitched for those in branding, design, marketing and communications who want to enhance their ability with words. We cover core writing and editing skills, tone of voice, storytelling and persuasion — sharing lots of copywriting and speechwriting secrets along the way.
It’s a fast-moving and hugely enjoyable day that gives you effective techniques and processes to take back to work and use straightaway.
Our Verb 2/Advanced workshop introduces more personally demanding creative writing techniques, with a strong emphasis on connecting with and conveying emotion.
This is an unforgettable day that helps widen and deepen brand writing expertise and how you use language in every part of your life. People find it stretching, surprising and satisfying.
Who is
Verb for?
We originally developed the Verb workshop for designers, but demand means we now welcome anyone working in the creative sector – from creative directors and copywriters to strategists, project managers and agency management; from entrepreneurs to artists and musicians. We’ve also had one accountant (who now writes beautifully).
Verb has inspired many creative individuals to feel confident with words, and it’s also helped transform the role of language within entire agencies, in-house studios and businesses.
Those who join us on a workshop leave knowing how to develop language that’s fresh and powerful.
Where does
Verb happen?
We work in London, Sydney and Melbourne, but we’re happy to hop on a train or plane to elsewhere.
We mostly run workshops for one agency at a time, usually for 10-14 people. We occasionally offer open workshops for individuals or small groups.
Tim Rich started his career as a design journalist, editing Graphics International magazine and writing a column for Design Week. As a D&AD-award-winning copywriter and speechwriter, he has written for and advised organisations as diverse as BP, The Crown Estate and Innocent Drinks. He also ghostwrites books for high-profile individuals and writes poetry. Tim is a co-founder of writing association 26.
Rob Self-Pierson is founder of The Brand Language Studio, supporting organisations around the world with brand strategy, tone of voice and copywriting. Clients include Gumtree, carwow and the British Council. Rob also writes travel memoirs about the journeys that define him. He's appeared in The Guardian, Independent, on BBC Local radio, BBC Cornwall, and in various magazines and blogs.
Who
are we?