BUSINESS WRITING SKILLS - 2 Days - Cost : £750

WHO WILL BENEFIT

Anyone who needs to write formally at various levels from short discussion records and statements of agreement
up to more substantial reports including business and development proposals. The course is especially suitable
for IT staff such as Systems Analysts and Project Managers.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the course delegates are able to:
o Understand the importance of setting well defined objectives before setting out to create a written report
o Determine the most suitable format and contents of a report to meet a given purpose
o Define the elements of successful written communication
o Create a winning case
o Write in a convincing style
o Give their reports an appropriate professional image and gain acceptance

COURSE CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION AND PRINCIPLES
Objectives: writing for results
o Communication principles: the sender, receiver and the message
o Clarity and interference
o Feedback and follow up

DECIDING REPORT FORMAT AND CONTENT
Defining purpose, level and for whom
o Report types and contents
o Sequence and structure
o Courtesy copies
o Checks, politics and timing

DETAILED CONSTRUCTION
Key factors and considerations
o Mapping the report
o Chapters, sections and appendices
o Paragraphs and points to be included

WRITING STYLE
Phraseology and sentence construction
o Clarity and ambiguity
o Interpretations and implications
o Strong and weak sentences
o Pace and persuasion
o Holding the reader's interest
o Getting your message across

DISCUSSION RECORDS AND LETTERS
Formalities and informalities
o Openings and closings
o Arranging the key points o Brevity and clarity
o Layout and style

FORMAL REPORTS AND PROPOSALS
Format options
o Objectives and Terms of Reference
o Facts and comparisons
o Making a case
o Evaluating alternatives
o Stating conclusions

WINNING ACCEPTANCE
The report as a sales document
o Presenting the report
o Confirmation and timing
o Follow up
o Getting what you want

COURSE FEATURES
This course gives delegates a winning asset. Commencing with key communication principles, the course then uncovers the secrets of successful writing at 3 essential levels . And to develop their skills delegates effectively they undertake a series of realistic exercises. These include:

* Following a controlled discussion each delegate writes up a discussion record. Results are compared and reviewed
* Given a problem scenario delegates write a memorandum to achieve a solution.
* Creation of a short report to achieve objectives set out in a realistic case study.
Emphasis throughout is upon getting agreement and winning results.

Schedule