Jody Bruner
Background: In my last life I worked at the Centre for Academic Writing at York University, where I taught my students how to express complex ideas with elegance and simplicity. Twelve years ago I decided to teach these skills to people in business, so I started Bruner Business Communication. Now I’m one of six trainers and I’ve designed a full range of business writing courses.
Likes: The em-dash. Helping people figure out what is holding them back as writers, giving them the skills they need and seeing their confidence bloom when the lights go on and they realize clear, persuasive writing is in their power. Cooking a meal for people I care about. Anything choreographed by Crystal Pite. Anything performed by the Nederlands Dans Theatre.
Dislikes: The semi-colon. Anything that contains desiccated coconut, even though I enjoy saying it. Comic Sans.
Education: BA in English, York University. MA in Dance, also from York University
Favorite quote: “Be happy. It’s one way of being wise.” Colette
What I do in the rest of my life: I dabble in yoga and I enjoy running, but I mainly love dance. And I love everything about it: reading about it, studying it, writing about it, practicing it, watching it. I even do my volunteer work in the dance community—on the Board of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.
What her participants say:
“Great! Jody is amazingly dynamic and engaging. Energy comes naturally to her. Very nice person who is great to work with.” Brunn Winegard, Pfizer
“Jody was a blast. She really knows her stuff. She held my attention and made things fun.” Keith Forrester, City of Greater Sudbury
Great! Open, clear, articulate and an obvious passion for helping people be better communicators. Susan Honderich, Manulife Financial
“Warm, relaxed, flexible, down to earth, excellent teaching skills.” Kevin Shaw, CGS
“Jody is confident, intelligent and knowledgeable. You can feel her taking in the room and directing her teaching to students in terms they can understand.” Luke G, Ernst and Young
