INTRODUCTORY OFFER: BUY PUNCTUATION UNPACKED AND GET TWO ADDITIONAL ONLINE WORKSHOPS FOR FREE
START WRITING WITH CONFIDENCE
Introducing Punctuation Unpacked – the essential punctuation refresher for professional writing
Now available as a self-paced course you can do from anywhere, at any time.
Training a team? Fill in this form to purchase multiple seats
QUESTION FOR YOU...
Is your written communication holding you back at work?
If you struggle with writing, second guess your sentences or wonder if you sound professional, you’re in the right place.
Does any of this sound familiar?
✓ You have an important government or corporate role, but you know your writing skills aren’t where they need to be.
You’ve never been confident with grammar and punctuation, and you’re sure you’re making mistakes that are affecting your credibility.
✓ You run a business or have a great job, but you struggle to write to clients or colleagues.
You second guess your sentences and agonise over whether your emails strike the right tone. You’re not confident in writing – it takes much longer than it should and you feel like it’s holding you back.
✓ You’ve tried AI and it sounded even worse, and spell check is your best friend.
But you can’t really trust them. You want to write quickly and confidently without relying on tools that can often get it wrong.
IF this SOUNDS familiar, KEEP READING
You know your writing might be holding you back...
You rely on tools like spell check and AI, but they often get it wrong.
Writing takes too much of your time, and you’re still not sure if it’s right.
Grammar isn’t your strong point, and you wonder what people think.
If you’re struggling to write professional emails and documents, it’s not your fault.
Traditional grammar teaching was removed from Australian classrooms in the 1970s. So generations of smart, capable professionals never learned the basics that punctuation is built on. That’s why even strong writers stumble over apostrophes and commas.
Ready to improve your writing skills?
The truth is, how you write at work shapes how people see you.
Poor punctuation doesn’t just look unprofessional.
In government, it creates ambiguity that slows decisions and confuses your audience.
In business, it undermines trust in what you deliver.
A misplaced apostrophe in a ministerial brief isn’t a small thing – it affects your credibility.
Writing that’s clear, confident and accurate?
When you get the punctuation right, your message gets through the first time. People take you seriously. And your reader doesn’t have to work to figure out what you mean.
The best writing doesn’t sound clever – it sounds clear, gets the point across quickly and lets you move on to the next task.
There’s an easy way to improve your writing skills and sound professional.
After 24 years of professional writing, editing and proofreading – including 10 years in NT Government communications – I’ve seen the same punctuation and grammar mistakes thousands of times.
The good news? They’re fixable with a bit of knowledge and a few simple tweaks.
Most punctuation resources are written for editors, English teachers or American audiences. Mine isn’t. It’s built for people who write at work – in government, in business, in policy, in admin – and need training that matches Australian style.
I’ve developed a practical approach to punctuation you can actually use. It cuts through the confusion and gives you clear, current rules you can apply straight away. All explained in plain English, with real examples from government and corporate writing.
Introducing...
The course 18,000 people have done in person, now self-paced online. The skills you’ll actually use, every day, for the rest of your life.
7 modules. 30+ bite-sized video lessons. Practical exercises. One comprehensive workbook. Everything you need to write with confidence, at your own pace.
All content has been refreshed and aligns with 2026 guidelines. If you’ve already done the in-person workshop, this is an ideal refresher with all the new updates you need.
This is for you if you need to write as part of your job – whether you’re in government, in a corporate role, running your own business, studying or writing in your second (or third or fourth) language.
To celebrate the launch of Punctuation Unpacked, I’m doing something a little bit nuts.
Buy Punctuation Unpacked in this limited offer period, and you’ll get the next 2 courses in this series for free.
How to Write in Plain English online course
Valued at $199
This practical course covers how to cut waffle and jargon, choose simpler words, fix passive voice, structure paragraphs and tighten sentences. You’ll learn how to strip out the clutter and write clear, succinct, professional documents your audience can understand and act on quickly.
Email Writing online course
Valued at $199
A snappy guide on the nuts and bolts of modern email etiquette at work. You’ll learn how to write clear subject lines, keep emails short and focused, choose greetings and sign-offs, handle CC and ‘reply all’, and manage tone and language – so your emails get read and replied to.
For 3 weeks only, I’m bundling all 3 courses for the price of 1!
Buy Punctuation Unpacked now, and the next 2 courses are yours for no additional cost – only for a limited time.
Almost 18,000 people have done these half-day in-person courses, which are now in development for their own online launches: How to Write in Plain English planned for August 2026 and Email Writing planned for October 2026.
LET’S DIG INTO THE DETAILS
Look inside Punctuation Unpacked
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the punctuation and style rules that matter most in the workplace today – and the confidence to apply them every time you write.
MODULE ONE
Apostrophe
7 lessons + quiz (updated content)
By the end of this module, you’ll know exactly when to use an apostrophe – and when to leave it out. No more guessing on its vs it’s or wondering whether the apostrophe goes before or after the ‘s’.
MODULE TWO
Comma
6 lessons + quiz
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to use commas confidently in the 6 most common situations – including some tricky ones most people get wrong.
MODULE THREE
Semicolon & colon
5 lessons + quiz
By the end of this module, you’ll understand the difference between semicolons and colons, and know how to use each one correctly. These 2 are widely misused – but the rules are simpler than you think.
MODULE FOUR
Hyphen & dashes
1 lesson (brand new content)
By the end of this module, you’ll know the difference between a hyphen, an en dash and an em dash – and how to use each one correctly in Australian writing.
MODULE FIVE
Capital letters
7 lessons + quiz
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to apply current capitalisation rules to your writing, including job titles, proper nouns and acronyms. This is one of the biggest blind spots in writing.
MODULE SIX
Numbers
3 lessons (updated to 2026 guidelines)
By the end of this module, you’ll know the current Australian rules for writing numbers, formatting dates and using ranges.
MODULE SEVEN
Bulleted lists
1 lesson
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to format fragment lists and sentence lists correctly, consistently and in line with current writing guidelines.
ALL MATERIAL HAS BEEN UPDATED TO ALIGN WITH 2026 GUIDELINES
Each module is packed with video lessons, real workplace writing examples, quizzes and resources to help you achieve results.
there’s even more
You’ll also get these with Punctuation Unpacked
Your own online portal
Comprehensive video lessons, text-based content and quizzes to practise your new skills. Access from anywhere at any time, and work through the course at your own pace.
Full reference workbook
The same 44-page workbook in-person participants refer back to for years – on their desks, in their drawers, bookmarked on their screens. Bonus exercises for every topic.
Pocket guide
A snappy 2-page card clearing up the trickiest punctuation rules at a glance. Pin it to your wall or keep it open on your desktop for easy access and faster, more accurate writing.
Plus a certificate of completion for all participants
Upskill so you can communicate better at work
This is what you can expect on the other side of Punctuation Unpacked
✓ You stop guessing.
No more second guessing every comma, apostrophe and capital letter.
✓ You write faster.
Less time agonising over your sentences and more time to focus on the work you love.
✓ You gain confidence.
You trust your own writing. You can review other people’s work without hesitating and explain your edits. You handle briefs, reports and policies without panic.
✓ You write Australian English correctly.
No more American comma habits, outdated capitalisation rules or guessing which dash to use. You’ll write to the Australian Government standard.
✓ You know what’s current.
Many rules have changed since school. You’ll learn what’s right now – not what’s outdated.
✓ You stop relying on software.
Spell check and AI can help, but they can’t replace understanding. You’ll have the skills built in, for life.
✓ Your professional reputation grows.
Clear, confident writing makes people take notice. It gets you taken seriously.
LET’S WRAP IT ALL UP...
Here’s what you get when you purchase Punctuation Unpacked today:
Punctuation Unpacked (online course) – 7 modules, 30+ video lessons
(value = $199)
SPECIAL OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE IN PLAIN ENGLISH
Online course
(value = $199)
SPECIAL OFFER:
EMAIL WRITING
Online course
(value = $199)
Comprehensive Workbook (PDF)
(Included)
Punctuation Pocket Guide (PDF)
(Included)
Certificate of Completion
(Included)
This is a total value of $597, but when you purchase today, you get it all for only $199
ready to do this?
The investment
Buying for your team? Please please fill in this form with your team members' names and email addresses, and I’ll add each person to the course directly once payment clears.
To pay by credit card, simply select multiple quantities at checkout.
To pay via invoice/purchase order, please select that option on the form and I’ll organise that for you.
you’re in the right place
Is Punctuation Unpacked for you?
I’m already a good writer. Do I need this?
I hear this a lot. Then we work through the things they’ve been getting wrong for years. Punctuation rules have changed since we left school. Most of us were never taught the foundations properly in the first place. So even strong, experienced writers are working off a mix of half-remembered rules, things they copied from colleagues and instinct. This course gives you the actual rules, current and clear, so you stop guessing.
Beyond that, this course is for anyone who writes anything.
In 14 years, my participants have included:
- Admin and policy officers
- Procurement and IT teams
- Comms and media professionals
- Finance and secretariat staff
- Teachers and school support staff
- Nurses, doctors and vets
- Childcare workers
- Lawyers and accountants
- Engineers and town planners
- Police, rangers and firies
- Aboriginal interpreters
- ESL speakers
- Graduates and executives
- Tradies and academics
- Experienced writers and first-timers
If you write at work – emails, briefs, reports, policies, minutes, ministerials, proposals, social media posts, websites, anything – this course is built for you.
‘I’ve always struggled with spelling and grammar. In one day, these workshops helped more than my 30 years of school and degrees have. I recommend it to everyone.’
Luke Ruane | Nurse Management Coordinator, Department of Health
Hi, I’m Jo Robertson
Here’s a little bit about me and my background
I’ve spent 24 years in professional writing, editing and proofreading. That includes 10 years with the NT Government, most recently as marketing manager at the Department of the Chief Minister, where I was the last set of eyes on government content before it went public.
Since 2011, I’ve run Communicate NT, training almost 18,000 people in Darwin, Alice Springs, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In 2025 alone, I delivered 141 workshops to 1,374 participants.
Here’s the thing. Most of the people in those rooms didn’t think they needed a punctuation course. They came in cautious, sometimes a bit defensive, and almost all of them walked out telling me they wished they’d done it years ago.
If you’ve been guessing at punctuation your whole career, you’re exactly who I built this for. I’ll keep it simple, explain it clearly and make sure it sticks.
sign up here‘Jo’s knowledge of the subtleties and nuances of punctuation is second to none. Our preconceptions were challenged in a positive way, and Jo improved the quality of our product.’
LEON LOGANATHAN | WARD KELLER LAWYERS
Got questions?
I have answers
Who is this course for?
Anyone who writes as part of their job. If you write emails, briefs, reports, policies or ministerials, this course will help. If you’re not sure, scroll back up – the list of past participants will give you a sense.
How long does it take?
The course is equivalent to a 3.5-hour in-person workshop. But because it’s self-paced, you can spread the learning over days or weeks – whatever suits you.
What about the 2 bonus courses – when do I get access?
How to Write in Plain English is planned for August 2026 and Email Writing for October 2026. You’ll get access to both automatically when they’re released – at no extra cost.
I’ve done Jo’s in-person workshop. Is this the same content?
It builds on the same foundation, but the content has been refreshed for this online launch. There’s a brand new module on hyphens and dashes, updated numbers and capitalisation rules aligned to 2026 guidelines, and expanded apostrophe coverage. So even if you’ve done the in-person course, there’s new material here for you.
Can I enrol my whole team?
Yes, of course. Please fill in this form with your team members' names and email addresses, and I’ll add each person to the course directly. Works well for government agencies and corporate teams who need to pay through accounts / purchase order.
Each team member will get their own online portal login to access the course at their own pace, and a certificate of completion when they finish.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
No. The course starts from the basics and builds up. Whether you’re a confident writer who wants a refresher or someone who’s been guessing at the rules for years, you’ll get value from it.
Are the courses accredited?
You’ll receive a certificate of completion for your professional development records. While the course isn’t formally accredited, the content aligns with Australian Government Style Manual guidelines and is the same training delivered to thousands of public servants and corporate teams.
Can I claim this as professional development?
Yes. The course qualifies as PD for most government and corporate workplaces. You’ll receive a tax invoice on enrolment, and many participants have their workplace cover the cost – it’s worth asking your manager or HR team.
NOW IS THE TIME
You deserve to feel confident in your writing
Almost 18,000 professionals have done this course. Most came in wondering if they’d learn anything new. Almost all of them finished saying the same thing: ‘I wish I’d done this sooner.’
It’s really common to struggle with this, even at senior levels. There’s a practical way to fix it – at your own pace, from wherever you are.
ARE YOU IN?
Get Punctuation Unpacked today and receive all this:
Punctuation Unpacked online course – 7 modules, 30+ video lessons
(value = $199)
SPECIAL OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE IN PLAIN ENGLISH
Online course
(value = $199)
SPECIAL OFFER:
EMAIL WRITING
Online course
(value = $199)
Comprehensive Workbook (PDF)
(Included)
Punctuation Pocket Guide (PDF)
(Included)
Certificate of Completion
(Included)
This is a total value of $597, but when you purchase today, you get it all for only $199
ready to do this?
The investment
Buying for your team? Please please fill in this form with your team members' names and email addresses, and I’ll add each person to the course directly once payment clears.
To pay by credit card, simply select multiple quantities at checkout.
To pay via invoice/purchase order, please select that option on the form and I’ll organise that for you.
