Module 1 - Business Writing Overview
Key Topics
Introduction to Business Writing
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- Course objectives & agenda
- Review examples of participants current written communication
- Q & A
The Nature and Range of Business Writing
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- Differences between written and oral communication
- Differences between types of business writing
- Effective writing v/s efficient writing
Target Audience
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- Identifying the aim of the business writing
- Analysing and understanding the target audience and the readers’ needs
Characteristics of Effective Writing
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- Putting the reader first
- Types of communication to provide information (informative), to make recommendations (persuasive)
- Setting and meeting objectives and terms of reference
- Length of writing and the use of appendices
- Layout and structure
- Developing and following a house style
Module 2 - Information Gathering, Writing Process and Document Design
Key Topics
Researching Information & Gathering Material
- Scheduling and deadlines
- Identifying your knowledge sources
- Organising and grouping your material
Selection Material and Structuring Communication
- Criteria of Relevance what to leave out and what to put in
- Developing logical sequencing
- Using headings and sub-headings as signposts for the reader
- The role of introductions and conclusions
The Writing Process
- Concept and application of rapid composition
- Planning and drafting processes
- Developing keyboard skills
- Editing
- Getting the best from spell and grammar checks
- Proofreading
Document Design
- Standard templates
- Agree font style & size
- Use of BOLD and capital letters
- Headings & subheadings
- Consistent and correct use of display lists and bullet points
- Justifications
- Using and presenting tables
- Diagrams, figures, and graphs
- Numbering
- Footnotes, endnotes, and hyperlinks
- Addendums
Module 3 - Persuasive Writing and Examples
Key Topics
How to Make Your Writing More Persuasive
- The 5 Ps of persuasion
- The 12 most persuasive words
- The Aikido approach
- Dr. Cialdini’s 6 levers of persuasion
Examples of Different Types of Written Documents
- Work Instructions
- Operating & Maintenance Procedures
- Manuals & Handbooks
- Questionnaires
Other Forms of Written Communication (Letters, E-mails & Minutes)
- Letter style, tone, and structures
- E-mail style and purpose
- Meeting notes purpose, structure and writing processes
Module 4 - Readability and Grammar Improvement Techniques
Key Topics
Improve Readability
- Why is simplicity so important?
- Fog factor analysis and readability scores
- Sentence length and paragraph structure
- Dimensions of writing style
- Active v/s passive voice
- Improving language content and style
- Choosing your words
- Confusing pronouns
Punctuation and Grammar
- The language of grammar (a guide to grammatical terms and functions)
- Commas, full-stops, colons, semi-colons, dashes, brackets, etc.
- The apostrophes
- Hyphenating words
- Consistency in using capital letters for proper nouns
Module 5 - Final Document Review and Presentation
Key Topics
Checking the Final Document
- Appendices & References
- Editing & Proof Reading
- Scheduling into the preparation
- Developing the skills of a proofreader
- Developing a systematic approach
Presenting the Document Verbally
- Selecting relevant information
- PowerPoint clarity rules
- Presentation skills
Course Review & Action Planning