How to Write Business Reports and Proposals

Most people have to write reports or proposals at some time in their career. It is an essential skill and has a direct effect on how you are perceived by customers, colleagues and others. It plays a major part in persuading others to adopt your ideas. Poor proposals and reports can adversely affect the efficiency and effectiveness of your business. By attending this course you will be able to immediately improve the quality of your proposals and reports.

You will learn to become more persuasive in the way you write. You will be better placed to win new business by writing proposals that attract the reader and take them on a journey that leads to the outcome you are seeking. Also, you will be able to express your ideas more clearly in the workplace and increase your credibility as a communicator.

For your organisation to function effectively, clear and unambiguous communications is vital. People need to understand ideas, situations and instructions and in many cases they have to be communicated in a report or proposal format. Your business can become more efficient and you will have a better chance of winning new contracts if you send your team on this course.

This course is suitable for anyone in a marketing, sales, or related role, who is required to write proposals or reports. It does not require prior knowledge and is equally suitable for experienced marketing and sales practitioners, or those new to the role. It is relevant whether you are required to write short reports or more detailed proposals.

• Defining the purpose of reports and proposals.
• Understanding the intended reader and who they have to influence.
• The reader’s journey and their level of knowledge.
• Defining the tone.
• Selecting and prioritising the content.
• Defining the right order.
• How to structure the document.
• Painting a clear picture.
• Getting the grammar right.
• How to structure the sentences and make them more compelling.
• Writing active sentences.
• Getting to the point.
• Being specific.
• Understanding which words press buttons.
• Words not to use.
• Minimising the content.
• Avoiding ambiguity.
• How to recognise and remove errors in the copy.
• Establishing credibility.
• Using the right punctuation.
  

The course will be delivered using presentations and exercises. There will be a high degree of involvement by delegates and they will have an opportunity to ask questions as we proceed through the programme.