Professional Written Communication
Pre-course activity
It would be beneficial to bring along examples of your written work. You can then review them throughout the course and edit if appropriate. To help the trainer focus on your specific needs, you will be asked to complete a pre-course questionnaire.
The Perils and Pitfalls of Business Writing
- Current thinking regarding business grammar
- Tips to ensure we avoid grammatical errors
- Constructing sentences and paragraphs – with appropriate punctuation to create rhythm and flow
- What is ‘business language’?
- How jargon, slang and clichés can get in the way of understanding
- Can ‘action words’ gain results?
Our Reader
- Tailoring our message to the reader’s needs
- Is the reader clear as to WHY we are writing?
- How can we professionally deal with complaints, give information, get a result, persuade our reader
- Creating an impact and keeping our reader ‘with us’ to the final sentence
Preparation and Structure
- Relevant information that helps to achieve the objective
- Using T.I.P.E. as a basis on which to build
- The need to present your information in an organised, logical sequence
How am I ‘Coming Across’ to my Reader
- Is my style ‘reader-friendly’?
- Using ‘punchy’ openings to gain interest
- Positive or compelling endings to ensure results
- The barriers to an effective, professional style
- Expanding your vocabulary to avoid repetition
- Keeping your writing ‘alive’
- Is my tone persuasive and assertive?
The Final Stage
- Avoid wasting time re-writing – proofread and edit your writing
- A check list and structured approach to help find those errors in your final draft
Action Planning
- Creating your personal action plan for the future
