UoLearn Book Reviews

Speed Writing the 21st century alternative to shorthand

Increasing your Influence, A guide to developing the 7 traits of influential people

Coaching Skills Training Course

Successful Minute Taking

How to start as business as a private tutor

Speed Writing the 21st century alternative to shorthand

I am 51 years old and have been a secretary more or less since I left school.  I took the requisite Pitmans shorthand course whilst at school and have never been able to understand it, all those squiggles and lines.  I have used my own speed writing version of words through the years and have managed to get by (as long as I dealt with the notes as soon as I had written them and the dictator wasn’t too quick - so it was half memory and half being able to read my own shorthand version).  But now, everything is so clear and makes complete sense.  I take your book on the train every morning and even after the first reading it completely made sense and I could even remember most of what I had read in the first chapter and believe me my memory at retaining new info is not as it used to be.  Even when I was reading your abbreviations I was able to see what they were in a lot of cases before I checked the meaning.  I am thoroughly enjoying learning a new “skill” from a book that is so simple to understand and I have already started to implement my new dictionary of words when taking notes.

A great big thank you for developing a system that is so easy to understand and completely workable and I looking forward to “showing off” my new skills when taking notes (which I will actually be able to understand) at the next board meeting.

Ann, Knightsbridge, London

“I learnt a lot and will be able to put it into practice straightaway.”
“The principles are very easy to follow, and I am already using it to take notes.“
“BakerWrite is the easiest shorthand system I have come across. Having studied all the major shorthand systems and even other speed writing courses, I find BakerWrite a sheer delight.”
“I feel that BakerWrite could be a complete shorthand system.” Robbie, Glasgow
“Your system is so easy to learn and use.” Dawn, London
“I like the way the book is easy to carry around and it’s so simple to understand.” Sue, Manchester
“I will recommend this course to everyone who takes notes.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course.”
“My expectations were exceeded with this course.”
“I will use this system all the time.”

Details of the Speed Writing book

About the author

Preview inside the book

Articles on speed writing and shorthand

Increasing your Influence, A guide to developing the 7 traits of influential people

“Interesting, readable and practical – everything I want from this type of book.”

“A brand new take on influencing.”

“Thought provoking and extremely helpful.”

“This book was a revelation.”

“Completely changed the way I see influencing - I now believe that I can grow and develop my ability to influence by concentrating on these seven traits.”

“Very readable book which has changed my perspective on influencing. I always thought of it as a set of tools and techniques but the idea of becoming more influential is much more interesting. This book makes that idea feel possible”.

“I liked the whole concept of developing the traits of influential people and really liked the way they were presented. I enjoyed the exercises and have started to influence people in different ways as a result. Thank you for the ideas.”

“It has made me realize that perhaps I have put too much effort into influencing external clients and stakeholders and not enough time trying to be influential with my own staff!!”

“I quickly realized that, influencing is a much broader topic than I had imagined. I gained from it an understanding that I stand a better chance of maximizing my effectiveness if I play to my own strengths, rather than trying to meet other’s expectations of me.”

“Most importantly, I learnt that some of the “influencing” I see employed by others is really manipulations and not only is it not necessary but it can in fact be counterproductive to subscribe to this method. It was very reassuring to hear that I don’t have to become someone I’m not in order to extend my influence!”

Increasing your Influence book details

About the authors Lois Burton and Deborah Dalley

Preview inside the book

Articles relating to influencing skills

Coaching Skills Training Course Reviews

"Fabulous workbook. Covered the background, the techniques, the ‘hows’ and the ‘whys’ making it very clear and simple to use for yourself or others.”

"A great business or personal tool packed with useful
information and techniques. Especially liked the authors own views and experiences of using the strategies.”

"The only coaching book I have read that gives you the
templates and scripts ready to use and permission to use them.”

"Takes you through step by step from understanding
coaching to running your own sessions.”

Coaching Skills Training Course book details

About the author

Preview inside the book

Articles on coaching skills

Praise for Minutes of Meetings training course

“I had a real phobia about minute taking and was dreading today, but you’ve really taken away my fear. It’s all fallen into place.” Beverley, Leeds

“This was a genuine workshop that taught skills and you came away knowing more than when you went in. Heather was keen to assess our expertise and worked with the group accordingly. Good to see someone presenting without constant reference to notes.”

“One of the best facilitators ever - quite clearly Heather had an extensive knowledge of the skills needed and she wanted to share best practice. She was keen to hear of other experiences, mixed the group up well and interacted with everyone. Everyone had a part to play and felt confident enough to ask and contribute whatever their level of expertise. Heather was very approachable.”

“This was an excellent workshop which clearly met all of its objectives. The course was well planned and the subject matter presented in a clear, logical and interesting way.”

“Heather had very good subject knowledge and is a very good trainer. She used a number of different teaching methods and was excellent at putting the group at ease; everyone joined in.” Committee servicing and minute taking for Leeds Metropolitan University

“The School has seen a vast improvement in minute taking since staff attended Heather Baker’s minute taking session. This has been crucial for the forthcoming audits and we are very grateful to Heather. Staff have commented that instructions and presentation were good and it was a fun session with lots of useful material.” Sheila Furmedge, ASIS and Staff Development Manager, University of Huddersfield

“It was a really clear, structured course. Good pace (kept to the agenda!). Good to leave a course and feel like I can truly apply what I’ve learnt to my role.”
Minute taking for the National Audit Office

“I’m fairly comfortable with taking minutes, but find I write a lot of notes in the meeting which probably aren’t necessary. I’ve learnt how to condense effectively.”

“Heather was very practical and helpful; understood the reality of taking minutes and not just the theory!”
Minute taking for RiverStone Management Limited

“I enjoyed the course and found it relevant to my needs. The trainer was helpful and able to answer questions. She obviously enjoys her work and conveys her enthusiasm to delegates.”

“I found the course really useful and the style and delivery were very easy to understand.”
Bespoke minute taking for Yorkshire Television

Details of the taking minutes of meeting book
About the author, Heather Baker
Preview inside the book
Articles on writing minutes of meetings
Resource page for Successful Minute Taking - Meeting the Challenge,
Praise for the how to take minutes of meetings training

Praise for How to Start a Business as a Private Tutor

Set up a tutoring business from home
Learn the secrets of success from years of experience
in tuition from primary through to GCSEs
Free ready to use printable forms and sample adverts

“I’m busy planning how to advertise and hope I’ll be able to get going very soon. Thank you for all your helpful advice and for the material you provided me with. I still feel quite nervous about starting but also quite excited about the possibilities tutoring offers.”

“Since seeing Graham my twins have really come on, without his help they would have struggled.”

“My daughter has improved in maths almost immediately thanks to Graham’s unique way of making it sound so simple.”

“Your help has turned my life around. I’m now doing something worthwhile.”

“You provided me with some great tips on getting started and I purchased a copy of your book.
I’m pleased to say that the business is going well. I have six pupils at present and all are making good progress. The parents are also very happy with the services I’m providing. I am combining this work with supply teaching during the day and working in the local library two days a week to ensure a regular income.
I would like to thank you again. Starting tuition is the best thing I could have done after recovering from my illness and your advice and book have been invaluable.”

Details of the How to Start a Business as a Private Tutor book
Resource page for the book, including the multiplication grid, blends and grammar sheets and blank forms for you to use.
About the author, Graham Woodward
Preview inside the tutoring business book
Praise for the book, How to Start a Business as a Private Tutor