Testimonials
Hear from our clients how Graham Associates' writing training made a difference for their team members, products, organizations, and careers.
"The Graham Associates' Writing System played a pivotal role in my career success. As a foreign-born scientist with a stronger grasp of Science than English, I initially faced challenges in technical writing. However, with the guidance of Dan, Judith, and Rachael, the system transformed English technical writing from an obstacle into a powerful tool for communicating complex ideas in my second language. My supervisor even commended the logic of my writing, stating that it surpassed that of native speakers. Thanks to the Graham Associates' Writing System, I could climb three levels in my career within seven years. I am immensely grateful for this transformative experience."
- Environmental Scientist
"Graham Associates has been a reliable and professional partner—flexible in adapting to our evolving needs and consistently easy to work with. Their training sessions have been targeted and impactful, with participants noting that their technical documents are now clearer and take less time to write. Since our organization relies on high-quality written deliverables, producing clear, concise, and cohesive documents is essential to delivering on our mission."
- Learning and Development Leader
"As a Communications major, I value strong writing skills, but it wasn’t until I took an executive writing course led by Rachael Tin of Graham Associates that my writing truly excelled. The course, based on their Writing System handbook, impressed me so much that I brought them in to train my executive team. The results were remarkable—the team’s writing improved significantly, and the team found the workshop an excellent use of their time."
- EEO Executive
"We partnered with Graham Associates to provide a series of writing courses and coaching services for our grantees. They consistently delivered high-quality and engaging support. Our grantees gave rave reviews and many went on to publish their work. Writing is hard, but Graham Associates made it easier for public health practitioners across the country."
- Health Scientist
"Graham Associates provides exceptional writing training that is highly relevant to multiple business applications. Their approach uses real-world examples to teach writers how to tailor different types of work products for maximum impact."
- Science and Technology Policy Executive
"The Writing System is an intuitive, thoughtful way to manage document production that has made our proposal response process more efficient and effective. Rachael makes the material accessible and helps us understand how best to apply the System within our organization. Every time we attend one of her trainings we gain powerful insights on how to improve our writing."
- Communications Manager
"Rachael and Madeline provide actionable steps to convert your job experiences into meaningful resume material. The Government-to-Private Resume Workshop really helped me to prioritize and describe my most relevant accomplishments."
- Technology and Policy Leader
"I was introduced to The Writing System through my very first job out of graduate school. It dramatically changed my writing skills and it improved my verbal communication skills as well. I have used this book as a tool for over 25 years, sharing it with managers, supervisors, team leads—and all with outstanding results. This is a must for any professional needing to better tailor their message to their audience, edit for economy and distill messages, and positive reframe. I love this book and strongly recommend it in all workshops I now lead as an executive coach and consultant."
- Consulting Firm CEO & MBA Professor
"My organization sponsored a two-day writing seminar led by Madeline Shaughnessy that I am so grateful to have taken recently. I feel like I learned more immediately applicable strategies in that short duration than I recall from entire semester-long college-level courses. This was due partly to the easy-to-follow foundational Writing System underpinning the presented material. Madeline’s highly engaging teaching style, which incorporates a significant amount of class audience participation, was the other compelling ingredient that made attending worthwhile. (A personal highlight was when Madeline wrote something I suggested into her own notes!) I cannot recommend this enough!"
- Microbiologist
"Madeline, your writing course at American University was extraordinary and a highlight of my grad school experience....Your students will benefit from every minute with you!"
- Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel
"Today’s instructor was delightful and led the course in a way that was easy to follow. She kindly encouraged participant engagement and discussion, without making it feel forced. Her use of real-world examples made it easy to understand concepts such as which type of audience reads documents, and in turn, this was easy to understand and apply to work-related tasks. I found a lot of value in the course and highly recommend the instructor for future courses. Thank you!"
- Public Health Leader
"I wanted to let you know that I just found out I passed my final project and got a higher mark than they initially said was possible! I also sent the final version to the researcher at the NIH and he really liked it....I would not have gotten this far without your help and I am eternally grateful."
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Master's Student
"Your assistance with the ECQ writing and editing process was amazing. You always remained professional, honest, and confident throughout writing and editing, and that helped lessen the stressors throughout the process. Your continued attentiveness and availability to assist on short notice was absolutely amazing and was key to a successful submission of the ECQs."
- Homeland Security Field Office Director
"I recently received a promotion to a GS-15 at Homeland Security....I truly attribute my success in making the career shift to Congressional Affairs to the work, dedication, and guidance you provided through the resume review process. Thank you again for your assistance."
- Congressional Affairs Liaison
"I wanted to share some good news—OPM accepted my ECQs on the first review. I really appreciate all your help! I honestly don’t think I could have made it through the process without your coaching and editing skills!"
- Communications and Marketing Executive