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Introduction
Business people spend a great deal of time compiling technical or non-technical reports, letters, memos, faxes, e-mail, and persuasive material, such as proposals, tenders, submissions and marketing documents.
This comprehensive Business Writing workshop addresses the key areas of effective writing. This will assist staff, middle and senior managers, to prepare and write in a clear, concise and positive manner, in a lot less time.
At the end of the workshop, attendees will be able to:
- Produce well structured persuasive or informative material;
- Spend less time on lengthy preparation and unnecessary paperwork;
- Understand what the reader needs;
- Learn to express ideas more concisely;
- Understand the importance of the tone of reports, letters, memos, faxes, and e-mail;
- Handle complaints more effectively.
- Confident that they can respond to clients written needs appropriately and efficiently;
- Learn by critiquing examples of their own work during the workshop;
- Save time and enjoy preparing business correspondence;
- Obtain action from the reader.
The techniques of report and business writing are taught in a logical sequence, working through five stepping-stones to effective writing, which are:
1. Aim
- Defining the real purpose of the report, letter, memo, fax or e-mail
- Identifying the reader and what he or she needs to know.
2. Language
- Choice of words, verbs - active or passive, sentence and paragraph construction;
- Using the "Clarity Index" to check readability and relating to Grammar Check;
- Choice of style and modern use of English.
3. Structure
- Initial preparation, using Mind Mapping for note-making and brain-storming;
- Understand the six planning steps for speed of preparation;
- Using the correct structure depending upon whether it is persuasive or informative.
4. Layout
- Guidelines for clear presentation of the report, letter, memo, fax or e-mail;
- Use of diagrams, illustrations and tables;
- Contents of report and use of an executive summary/abstract;
- Salutations and any corporate requirements.
5. Techniques
- How to handle complaints, problems and questions, from clients or staff;
- How to sell ideas and create goodwill.