Effective business writing

Who Should Attend And Why

Individuals who communicate in writing with internal and external customers using either letters, memos, e-mails or reports. It is recommended that participants using the same type of correspondence should attend the course on the same day. This will ensure the emphasis of the course is directed towards the most relevant form of communication.

By The End Of The Workshop Participants Will Be Able To:

Achieve maximum reader impact

Produce clear, accurate and easy to read correspondence

Develop a crisp, concise and individual style

Workshop Overview

Course Objectives - Key Focus for the Workshop
business management
personal SWOT

Types of Communication
letters
memos
e-mails
reports

Objective of Correspondence
what do we know about the reader/s?
selecting the relevant information

Factors Contributing to Poor Correspondence
progress international examples

Evaluation Checklist
questions to ask about the correspondence

Preparation and Planning
use of time
mindmapping
gathering appropriate detail -demonstrating knowledge
adopting a strategy
structure - composition, layout and presentation
'tone' of correspondence

Motivating the Reader
using the learning tool 'AIDA' to ensure:
the document is read
action is taken - where appropriate

Balancing Personal Style, Company Culture and Customer Needs
achieving a suitable compromise

Reader Appeal - general and specific
relating your ideas to the interests of the reader

Effective Use of Words, Grammar, Sentence Length and Punctuation
common pitfalls
avoiding ambiguity
using appropriate language for the audience

Proof-Reading and Spellchecking
the Snatch Test - testing for:
ease of reading
ease of understanding
picking key points

Essential Rules and Guidelines for Effective Business Writing