Decades of experience.
Backdraft was created by Stiff—the first ISO-certified company of writers. The company earned this accreditation for their in-house system to improve the quality of writing.
In the early 2000s, Stiff turned their system into an online course available to everyone who wants to write better. In addition to Backdraft, Stiff offers training that can be customized for every learning style.
Past clients
Stiff's writing training has helped thousands of professionals write faster, better and with greater confidence.
Additional training options.
Flexible training options are essential in a digital world. Stiff's approach to writing training is practical. The lessons teach grammar, syntax, logic, rhetoric, diction, character, tone, style and plain language. This style of learning helps individuals and teams to create meaningful, accessible and inclusive content for any audience.
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In-person workshops
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Virtual sessions and pre-recorded webinars
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Train-the-trainer approaches
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Hybrid: a mix of any of the above
Our instructors
James Hanington
CEO and Creative Director
james@stiff.ca
James leads Stiff’s writing training. He combines language theories with practical application for an impactful learning experience. His goal is to help communicators persuade audiences through clear and simple writing.
Awa Thioye
Director of Strategy
awa@stiff.ca
Awa is an expert in plain language. Her approach to writing training is based on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. Her goal is to help communicators create deep connections with their audiences.
James Hanington
CEO and Creative Director
james@stiff.ca
James leads Stiff’s writing training. He combines language theories with practical application for an impactful learning experience. His goal is to help communicators persuade audiences through clear and simple writing.
Awa Thioye
Director of Strategy
awa@stiff.ca
Awa is an expert in plain language. Her approach to writing training is based on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. Her goal is to help communicators create deep connections with their audiences.
James Hanington
CEO and Creative Director
james@stiff.ca
James leads Stiff’s writing training. He combines language theories with practical application for an impactful learning experience. His goal is to help communicators persuade audiences through clear and simple writing.
Awa Thioye
Director of Strategy
awa@stiff.ca
Awa is an expert in plain language. Her approach to writing training is based on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. Her goal is to help communicators create deep connections with their audiences.