|
Course benefits:
We all recognise well-written business communications, but their creation
is not a matter of chance. The author must understand the purpose of
the communication and the intended audience. They must consider how
best to structure and express the content for maximum readability and
comprehension.
Good writing communicates. It is easy to read quickly, precise in its
use of language, concise in its expression, and unambiguous. A good
writer needs to be adept with words but must also consider when communication
can be improved by using other devices, such as tables or lists.
This course provides the nervous author with a set of easy steps to
improve the effectiveness of their business writing. Exercises afford
practice in approaches that are usable immediately in the working environment.
Who should attend:
This course is suitable for anyone who must communicate successfully
through the written word, and who originates documents in their role
as a member of a team.
Prerequisites:
No prior experience is required. Some exposure to the written word
is a bonus.
What you will learn:
On successful completion of the course, attendees will be able to
- Apply a step-by-step approach
- Lay out work to achieve best comprehension by the reader
- Use appropriate language and structures
- Write letters, memos, e-mail and reports and be able to apply correct
styles
What you will cover:
- Getting Started - How to make writing easier and less painful than
it is now; why write and what to write; knowing your reader and understanding
what they need to know; understanding when something will be read,
and where; what to include and what to exclude; steps in writing and
standards; the importance of drafting and editing
- Appearance and Layout - Design and Layout; exercise in design and
layout; the importance of appearance; the use of Charts and Diagrams;
sentences and paragraphs; exercises in punctuation; exercise in applying
standards for appearance and layout
- Word Use and Abuse - Basic Principles; the Active Voice; readability;
exercise to calculate the readability of sample texts; word choice
and meaning; spelling; exercises on word choice, word meanings and
spelling; on being Politically Correct; exercise; differentiation
- Letters, Memos and E-mail - Business letters and how to write them;
outline for a letter; how to write persuasively and to sell; letter
writing exercise; when to use memos; how to write a memo; exercise
to write a memo to inform; the use and abuse of electronic mail; exercises
in writing e-mail messages
- Report Writing - Reasons for writing a report; generic outlines
for reports; steps in report writing; getting over the introduction;
presenting complex ideas; using charts and diagrams
How you will learn:
The course includes discussion and many exercises. Attendees take away
examples of their own work for printing and reference.
Duration and availability:
Two days non-residential. In-house only.
|
