Professional Written Communication Skills

Professional Written Communication Skills - Course Outline

Organisations and individuals establish their credibility with professional and well written communication. This professional written communication skills training course provides delegates with immediate and practical guidance on how to communicate effectively and professionally through written communication. In areas ranging from planning and grammar, tone, style and final proof-reading, delegates will quickly develop their professional written communication skills and confidence in order to improve e-mails, letters, memos and reports.

Course Objectives

Plan, prepareand write with greater confidence.
Construct letters, memos, e-mails and short reports that get results.

Produce written communications that relay your message to the recipient in a positive, professional and persuasive manner.
Save time and handle correspondence with less instruction.
Adapt your writing style to suit the nature of the correspondence whilst achieving clarity and brevity.
Write accurately and professionally, avoiding unnecessary jargon or clichés.
Avoid common errors and use sentences, paragraphs and punctuation correctly and effectively.
Analyse and edit your work quickly and constructively and adopt effective proof-reading techniques.

Course Designed For

Individuals who want to save time and produce accurate, professional business correspondence with confidence.

Course Content

The Principles of Effective Business Writing

Types of business documents: letters, reports, e-mails, facsimiles and minutes

Avoiding Common Problems

The rules and reasons for grammar - avoiding common pitfalls
Building better sentences - using punctuation to aid understanding
Vocabulary, spelling, jargon and slang
Formal words, proprietary names, copyright

The Recipient

Focusing on the reader's requirements
Using the right approach - responding to complaints, giving information, getting action, interesting customers etc.
Creating an impact - getting and maintaining the reader's attention
The use of 'action words' to inspire positive response and results

Preparation and Approach

Clearly defining the objectives of the document
Gathering factual information to assist in conveying your message
Organising your thoughts/material logically
Simple structuring

Styles of Writing and Being Persuasive

A 'reader-friendly' style - compelling openings and positive conclusions
Informative, persuasive or assertive writing
Imaginative use of vocabulary

Developing Your Style of Business Writing

Overcoming 'word inflation' and cutting out the 'waffle'
Writing in a clear, concise and professional business manner
Expressing yourself - conversational and appealing writing
Enhancing your language skills and expanding your vocabulary

Constructive Self-analysis

Avoiding redundant phrases, unnecessary jargon and clichés
Identifying and correcting grammatical errors
Proof-reading and editing - avoiding time-consuming rewrites

Personal Development

Progressing your writing skills - introduction to report writing
Refining your skills - learning to get it right first time
Formulating an action plan

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