Business Writing Course - Learning Objectives

• The value of good written communication / business writing
• How to write and proofread your work so it is clear, concise, complete, and correct
• How to apply business writing skills in real-world situations.
• The proper format for memos, letters, and e-mails

Business Writing Training - Course Overview

The following 14 Business Writing Course Modules can be re-arranged to customize the program according to the needs of the participants.

1. Why Business Writing?

Many people feel that writing is a burden or something they should be able to delegate. This section will help the student identify the value of writing. It explores the different forms that are used in business communication and the techniques required for good writing.

2. The Four C’s of Business Writing

The instructor will discuss four of the C’s of writing with the student: clear, concise, complete, and correct. The student will practice each C through writing exercises. This session is divided into 4 sub categories:

• a) Writing clearly - Isolating key messages and keywords that the recipient needs to take away
• b) Writing concisely - Working with Abstract / General / Concrete / Specific words.
• c) Writing Complete - Use the 5 W's and an H. Make a checklist, empathize and restate.
• d) Be Correct - Common errors in writing and how you can correct them.

3. Word Agreement

During this section, the student will explore word agreement through a brief lecture and a writing exercise.Students also learn about modifiers / describers and their importance.

4. Active & Passive Voice in Business Writing

Most people prefer to read writing that is in the active voice. We will discuss and practice both voices during this section.Students also discuss usual word order.

5. Sentences & Sentence Types

This section will discuss the structure of sentences and paragraphs.It includes the detailed discussion about sentence models and how to design paragraphs. Then, the student will apply this knowledge to a writing exercise.

6. Inclusive Business Writing Language

Another key part of writing is political correctness. The student will have an opportunity to re-write some exclusive terms to make them inclusive.

7. Readability Index

The Gunning Fog Index, also called the readability index, determines the difficulty level of a written piece. The student will apply the index to a sample and to their own work.

8. Business Writing Manners & Courtesy

Courtesy is an important principle of good business writing. During this section, the student will examine and rank several business letters, helping them explore their own style and preference.

9. Practical Language in Business Writing

It is important to use words that best reflect what you are trying to say. In this section, we will examine some common dilemmas (such as fewer vs. less) and suggested solutions.

10. Sentence Construction

The two basic rules for constructing sentences are: use construction that makes meaning clear and keep construction parallel. The student will re-write sentences that don’t follow these rules.

11. Punctuation

During this section, the student will work in teams or by themselves to develop a series of test questions for other teams. We have included some key points that you can use to debrief the test.

12. Writing Business Letters

This section begins with three lectures on the steps for writing a business letter, types of letters, and the parts of a business letter. The student will then examine samples of business letters to determine the type and the parts of each letter.

13. Writing Effective Business E-mails

Virtually everyone today uses e-mail to communicate at work and at home. This section will give the student some tips on writing effective e-mails and managing mail.

14. Spelling and Proofreading

Proofreading carelessly can spoil a writer's best efforts. This section will help the student identify common spelling errors and practice their proofreading skills.

Business Writing Training - Program Execution

To learn more about our Personal Brand Development program or to get a customized proposal, please contact us. To learn more about our Training approach or eLearning Concepts, please check out our Web site or give us a call.