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Introduction:
Most people, even if they are not involved in business, have probably written some form of business communication at one time. This may have been a letter of complaint to a company, or a letter to the bank manager asking for an overdraft. Whatever the reason, or type of communication, business writing is something that we are all involved in at some point in our lives. It is therefore important that we know what it is, how to do it and how to do it well.
For some people, it is a vital skill; according to a survey of employers world-wide, writing correctly and persuasively comes top of the list of skills needed for professional success.
Although business writing can seem a little overwhelming to begin with, it can be relatively easy to learn - once you understand the basics of what is required.
There are several benefits to learning how to write good business documents:
- You can make a great impression on others if your writing is well prepared and produced.
- You will save time when writing documents, if you know how to plan and prepare them.
- You will save other people time if your documents are clearly written and easy to read.
- You will create a good impression of yourself to those around you.
- You will create a good impression of your organisation.
Workshop - One Day
Objectives:
- To learn basics of grammar, spelling and punctuation as they apply to business writing.
- To express yourself more powerfully using plain English.
- Identify and use the appropriate tone when writing business documents.
- Develop techniques for quickly creating outlines and structures for business documents.
You will learn to:
- Identify the correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling in business writing.
- Reduce the amount you write without reducing the impact of the message.
- Write in a more active way that makes your writing easier to read and to understand.
- Use more positive language in your business writing.
- Avoid writing traps such as clichés, jargon, condescension and sexism.
- Identify a structure and style of writing that keeps your audience in mind and has a clear purpose.
- Create a well laid out letter that is easy to read.
- Write letters that deal with various types of situations.
- Understand what graphs and charts to use when presenting data, and when you use them.
Who should attend:
Anyone who writes business documents as part of their job and who feels they could improve their skills. The course will cover a variety of different types of business documents and delegates are invited to bring along examples of their current work, or ideas they would like to work on during the course.
Course Programme
9.30 am – 10.45 am:
Introduction
- Why its so important
- The benefits of good business writing
Getting back to basics
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Spelling
10.45 am - 11am: Break
11.00 am – 12.45 pm:
Writing with impact
- Be clear
- Write less
- Active verbs
Setting the tone
- Using positive v negative language
- Condescension
- Clichés and jargon
- Writing with your reader in mind
- Non-sexist language
12.45pm - 1.30pm: Lunch
1.30 pm – 2.45 pm:
Structure and style
- Know your audience
- Know your purpose
- Planning and revision
- The 5-step revision technique
Writing letters and emails
- Traditional letter layout
- Letter formats
- Direct requests
- Providing information
- Trying to persuade
- Good news/bad news
- Email etiquette
Presenting data – graphs and charts - What to use and when to use it
2.45pm - 3pm: Break
3.00 pm – 4.15 pm:
4.15 pm – 4.30 pm:
