Course Info
Information is crucial to an organisation and when this information is communicated in writing, the quality of such communications can have a significant impact on business performance and decision making. Effective business writing is concise, accurate, unambiguous, logical and easily understood. This intensive two-day course will help delegates to develop the skills necessary for successful business writing – be it reports, e-mails, letters, minutes of meetings or proposals.
What Will I Learn From This Course?
Write business documents to a professional standard and conforming to acceptable formats
Present information in an organised, structured way so as to achieve a specific objective
Use a business-like style and vocabulary, while displaying sensitivity to different levels of reader expertise
Express ideas with confidence and clarity, supporting persuasive and logical arguments
Methodology
The course comprises instructor-led training with a strong emphasis on practical exercises and rich feedback. It involves lectures, discussions, exercises, role-plays, group activities and video presentations
Throughout the two days you will practice what you learn by writing your own well-structured work-related documents, and critique, edit, analyze, and improve your writing at each level of the process. You may also choose to bring an existing sample writing piece for one-on-one feedback.
Course Outline for This Programme
Basic principles of written communication
- Clarification of objectives
- Audience analysis
- The 5c’s of Writing
Planning To Write
- Why write?
- What am I trying to accomplish?
- What is the scope?
- Overcoming myths about writing
Basic Principles of English Grammar, Usage and Vocabulary
- Parts of speech
- Past, Present and Future tenses
- Use of connectors/linking word
- Use of precise language –active vs passive
- Use of appropriate vocabulary in a business setting
- Use correct punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, and number formats
Common Problems In Writing
- Common errors
- Packaging expressions
- Wordiness
- Unnecessary redundancies
- Being ambiguous or vague
Techniques for Writing
- Mind Maps
- Brainstorming
- Free Flow Technique
Writing Clear, Concise and Professional e-mails for Impact
- Improve your ability to communicate via email and ensure your message is understood.
- Write with your audience’s expectations in mind.
- Use words and phrases that will improve comprehension and ensure professionalism.
- Apply techniques to turn negative language into positive language and remove emotion from
your writing. - Adopt techniques to proof your document for spelling, punctuation and appropriate tone.
Write Minutes Clearly, Concisely and Professionally
- Recognize the importance of taking minutes clearly, concisely and objectively
- Develop key minute -taking skills, including listening skills, critical thinking and organization
- Distinguish relevant from irrelevant points
- Recognise definite decisions made and actions required
- Exercise sensitivity in the writing process
- Develop strategies to deal with jargon and technical language
- Remedy many of the challenges that beset minute takers
- Write the different types of minutes and use the appropriate language for them
The Report Writing Process
- Gathering and sorting material
- Presenting information for impact
- Organize the Sections and Component
- Logical and Sequential
- Thinking Skills Builder
- Report Structure, Layout, Format
- Information (including Data) and Details Required
- Quality and reliability of Information
- Presenting information for impact – organize the Sections and Components
- The Numbering System
- Content from Existing Documents, Systems and Experts
- Where the data is best placed
- Using bullet points and list
- Tables, charts and illustrations
- Numbering and captions
Using appendices and - references
Prepare a Polished, Correct Final Draft
- Drafts to Final Copies – Reviewing, Proofreading and Editing
- How Good is Your Proofreading?
- Writing Impressive Conclusions
- Writing Precise Executive Summaries
- Checking Writing Effectively for Spelling, Punctuations, Grammar, Structure, Vocabulary,
- Producing and presenting a clear, concise and effective business document
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