Academy 2022 Courses

The Art of Writing Client Reports

Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA

Writing effective research reports can be a difficult skill to master. This course will provide instruction and hands-on experience creating each section of a report. A team of professional genealogists will share their expertise in technical writing, evidence analysis, incorporating visual elements, organizing material, time-saving strategies, and documentation. They will share examples of a variety of reporting formats covering simple to complex research problems from a variety of professional perspectives. Participants will learn both by evaluating provided reports and writing a research report during the week. Students should bring a laptop to work on practice exercises in class and complete writing assignments.

You're Invited: Public Speaking from Concept to Delivery

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

The ability to transform an initial concept to a full-fledged presentation delivered in front of an audience might seem like a daunting adventure for many professionals. This interactive course is ideal for existing speakers seeking to brush up on their skills and expand their portfolios and anyone seeking to explore how public speaking might align with their aspirations.

This intensive week explores key components of public speaking for genealogists: the “business of speaking,” outlining contracts, pricing, legal considerations, and marketing techniques; “knowing your audience,” focusing on crafting an array of presentations, keeping lectures current, and answering conference proposal requests; “development,” including details on developing handouts, slide presentations, and other visuals; and “delivery,” centered on finding a speaking style, avoiding pitfalls, structuring your presentations, and the opportunity to present two “mini-sessions” to solicit feedback and advice from fellow students and course instructors.

A variety of speaking opportunities will be discussed, including traditional one-hour sessions, seminars, workshops, webinars, institute courses, public programming, continued education courses, and national and regional conferences.

Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional: The Why, the What, the How

Diana Elder, AG and Lisa Stokes, AG

Earning the Accredited Genealogist credential with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) is an excellent way for a professional to demonstrate their research proficiency in a chosen region. Benefits include strengthened research skills, confidence in performing client work, and respect in the genealogy community. This course will cover the requirements for each level of the testing and give attendees valuable information and practice needed to pass each level. Attendees will receive peer and mentor feedback on their work and learn from reviewing the work of their peers.

Beyond Fundamentals: Hands-On Forensic Genealogy

Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CG

This course is designed for students who understand the fundamental methodology of forensic genealogy work and wish to gain experience and confidence by practicing real-life cases. The entire week will be “hands-on.” Students will work through probate, real estate, and other case scenarios individually and collaboratively. We’ll add some friendly competition by interspersing quick questions in a lightening round format and close with a game show!