This two day course will teach participants a writing process that reduces the amount of time spent writing while increasing effectiveness. This means learning to use plain language that everyone can understand – the first time around…
"Writing is manual labour of the mind: a job, like laying pipe."
John Gregory Dunne
Warren Buffet summed up plain language marvellously in this “writing tip” in the introduction to the 1998 SEC Plain English Handbook:
“Write with a specific person in mind. When writing the Berkshire Hathaway annual report, I picture my sisters, highly intelligent, but not experts in accounting or finance. They will understand plain English, but jargon may puzzle them. My goal is to give the information I would wish to receive if our positions were reversed”.
Communication today includes everything from cell phones and blackberries to video-conferencing, instant messaging and email. But does this mean effective writing skills aren’t so important – absolutely not. In our fast paced business world the need for clear, concise writing is more important than ever. Information today needs to be focused, concise, accurate and compelling. People form opinions about you and your organisation by the way you write. Whether a memo, business letter or report – each one is a reflection of your professionalism.
Course content:
- Planning and organisation of content
- Recognising good writing
- Structure of the formal and informal business communication – composing good sentences and paragraphs
- Headings to grab the reader
- Introduction of letter/communication
- Body – developing and explaining your purpose
- Conclusion – re-emphasising your purpose
- Getting the correct tone
- Layout and presentation – using graphics to illustrate points
- Emails – advantages and disadvantages
- Getting people to open your email
- Common grammar and spelling problems
- Editing your work to read smoothly
Who is this course aimed at?
Anyone who has to communicate in their work on a daily basis, writing letters, emails, faxes or reports, such as PA’s, secretaries administrative and managerial staff.
