Effective Business Writing

Course Overview

Effective Business Writing

Overcome the challenges of writing professional business documents and communicate your words effectively. 

Course Content

Module One - The Challenges and Pitfalls of Written Communication 

• Barriers to effective written communication 
• Good communication model 

Module Two - Preparation and Planning 

• Key planning stages  
• Know your audience and understand your reader 
• Setting objectives to achieve results 
• Preparing an outline 

Module Three - The Stages and Structure of Business Writing 

• The 4 key elements of a document 
• Writing strong starts and closes 
• The ABC’s (accurate, brief, clear) of written communication 

Module Four - Image and Impact 

• Getting the tone right 
• Using the appropriate words and phrases 
• Projecting a positive message 
• Passive vs active language 
• Unnecessary words and jargon 
• Word power - writing in plain English 

Module Five - Grammar and Punctuation 

• Commonly confused words 
• Common punctuation problems 

Module Six - Written Communication Types 

• Letters 
• Passing on good news 
• Requesting action or information 
• Passing on bad news 
• Selling an idea, product or service 
• Responding to complaints 
• Email do’s and don’ts 
• Email protocols and etiquette rules 
• Reports - an overview 
• Objectives 
• Structure and layout 
• Proposals