# Module 08: Writing with Claude ## Demo: Before and After Writing Samples Three pieces of bad writing, each with a different problem. Demonstrate how Claude fixes each one when given the right direction. --- ## Sample 1: The Overwritten Internal Memo **Before (paste this into Claude):** ``` Dear Valued Team Members, I am writing to inform you that, pursuant to our ongoing strategic initiative to optimize operational efficiency and enhance cross-functional synergies across our organizational ecosystem, we have made the decision to implement a new project management platform that will serve as the centralized nexus for all project-related communications, documentation, and workflow management processes going forward. This transformational change, which has been carefully evaluated by our leadership team in conjunction with our IT department and external consultants, will fundamentally revolutionize the way we collaborate, communicate, and execute on our key strategic priorities. The new platform, which will be rolled out in a phased approach over the next several weeks, offers a wide array of robust features and capabilities that will empower each and every one of you to work more efficiently and effectively. We understand that change can be challenging, and we want to assure you that we are fully committed to providing comprehensive training and support throughout this transition journey. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your manager or the IT Help Desk if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this exciting new initiative. Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to excellence. Best regards, Management ``` **The prompt to fix it:** ``` Rewrite this internal memo. The actual message is: we're switching to a new project management tool. Cut every sentence that doesn't deliver information the reader needs. Remove all jargon. The tone should sound like a competent manager talking to adults, not a press release. Keep it under 150 words. ``` --- ## Sample 2: The Buried Lede Customer Email **Before:** ``` Hi Jennifer, Thank you so much for your email and for being such a loyal customer over the past three years. We truly value our relationship with Meridian Corp and all the business you've sent our way. I wanted to touch base with you regarding a few things. First, I hope you had a great holiday season! Second, I noticed you mentioned in your last email that you were interested in possibly exploring some of the new features we've been rolling out. That's great to hear! I also wanted to let you know that due to some changes in our cost structure related to raw materials pricing, we will be adjusting our pricing effective April 1st. The new pricing for the S-300 units you typically order will be $680 per unit, up from the current $640. We know this is never easy news to hear, but we believe the value we deliver continues to justify the investment. Let me know if you'd like to schedule a call to discuss the new features or anything else! Best, Mike ``` **The prompt to fix it:** ``` Rewrite this email. The customer needs to know about a price increase. Lead with that news plainly. Don't apologize excessively or pad it with pleasantries. After the news, briefly explain why (raw materials) and what value they're still getting. Then, and only then, offer to discuss new features that might offset the cost. Professional, direct, respectful. Under 120 words. ``` --- ## Sample 3: The Jargon-Loaded Report Summary **Before:** ``` Executive Summary Our Q4 performance demonstrated robust momentum across key verticals, with significant traction in our core competency areas despite headwinds in the macro environment. We successfully leveraged our differentiated value proposition to drive meaningful top-line growth while simultaneously optimizing our cost structure to deliver bottom-line improvement. Key highlights include a year-over-year revenue increase of 12%, primarily driven by our land-and-expand strategy in the enterprise segment. Our customer acquisition cost (CAC) improved by 8% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting the scalability of our go-to-market engine. Net revenue retention (NRR) remained best-in-class at 118%, validating our product-market fit and the stickiness of our platform. Looking ahead, we are well-positioned to capitalize on multiple secular tailwinds and continue executing against our strategic roadmap. We remain laser-focused on operational excellence and sustainable growth. ``` **The prompt to fix it:** ``` Rewrite this executive summary. The audience is our board of directors, who are experienced business people and will see through buzzwords. Replace every piece of jargon with the specific thing it describes. "Robust momentum" should be actual growth numbers. "Headwinds" should name the specific challenges. "Land-and-expand" should describe what actually happened with customers. I want a summary that a board member reads once and understands our quarter. Under 200 words. ``` --- ## Teaching Sequence 1. Show Sample 1 Before. Ask the room: "What's wrong with this?" Let them list the problems. 2. Paste it into Claude with the rewrite prompt. Show the result. 3. Key question: "What did the prompt tell Claude that made the difference?" (Answer: it named the actual message, set a word limit, and specified the tone.) 4. Repeat for Samples 2 and 3. ## Exercise for Participants Each participant brings (or writes) a piece of their own work writing that they know is too long, too jargon-heavy, or buries the point. They write a Claude prompt that specifies what's wrong and what "right" looks like. They rewrite it with Claude. They share the before and after at their table. Goal: Every participant leaves with the instinct to give Claude editing direction, not just "make it better."