Who Should Attend?

People who wish to excel in communication should attend this two-day programme. It is the ideal way to learn the basic skills of excellent written communication in the English language. It is both informative and practical, with excellent back-up course notes that form a valuable reference source for the future. It is a course that is completely up-to-date and suitable for everyone in business who has to communicate using the written word.

About the Programme

This two-day programme is an excellent introduction to business writing skills. The course will give you clear guidelines and practice on how to write better internal and external correspondence. You will learn how to plan your writing carefully, and how to professionally structure different forms of business correspondence.

Course Objectives

• To learn the standard structure of day-to-day correspondence
• To plan writing effectively, so all the necessary information is included
• To learn and practise using a framework for business communication
• To know the difference between formal and informal language
• To demonstrate the effective use of plain and simple English
• To understand how to create the right impression when writing
• To gain spelling, grammar and writing confidence
• To practise proofreading techniques

What You Will Gain

• Knowledge of the principles of effective business writing
• A clear understanding of formal business language
• Confidence in communicating using the written word
• Practical, 'hands-on' experience and Tutor feedback

Programme Contents

DAY ONE
• The 10 Principles Of Business Writing
• The 4 Stages Of Writing (Planning, Drafting, Writing, Editing)
  > Using Mind Maps & Writing Plans
  > The 5 W's As A Writing Guide
• A Framework For Business Communication
  > Writing Effective Beginnings & Endings
• Focus On Grammar
  > Using Prepositions Of Time, Place & Movement (On, In, At)
  > Articles (The, An, A)
  > Verb - Subject Agreement
• Correct Use Of Punctuation & Abbreviations
  > Rules For Apostrophes
  > Using The Full Stop For Abbreviations
  > Commonly Used Latin Abbreviations
• How To Use Plain & Simple English
• Formal & Informal Language

DAY TWO
• Choosing The Right Communication Channel
• Email Etiquette & Being Courteous
• Using The Correct Greeting & Close
• Creating The Right Impression
• Writing External Business Correspondence
  > Structure, Style & Layout Of Business Emails, Letters (& Faxes)
• Internal Correspondence
  > Writing Messages, Emails, Memos (& Notices)
• Using Verbs More Effectively
• Spelling & Proofreading Techniques
• End Of Course Assessment & Feedback Session

Please note that the 'Faxes' and 'Notices' modules are optional as not everybody uses these methods of communication. The Tutor will adapt the course according to the needs of the participants.

2 Days - Non-Residential

Delegate spaces available on the following course dates: