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Better Business Communication
A short course to improve your writing and communication skills
Course Outcome
This course is based on four modules. Because it is a customisable course,
clients are invited to highlight the areas most relevant to their requirements.
These will be integrated into the courseware and be the main focus of workshops.
It is recommended that all components outlined below are included for the
purpose of background information and updating existing knowledge, but that
specific needs are identified so that these can receive the most attention.
The course combines a theoretical approach with practical, hands-on learning
which is facilitated in two full-day workshop sessions, as outlined below.
By the end of the week, attendees will understand the different requirements for
the written word, and be equipped to match the message to the requirement with
effective writing skills. Attendees will have practical guidelines to improve
their own writing, and critically review the written word.
Course Content
DAY 1
Module 1 - Understanding the writing process
1. The Writing Process
1.1 Pre-writing
Audience
Purpose
Tone
Preparing an outline
Writing patterns
Style
1.2 The rough Draft
1.3 Editing
Whole document
Paragraphs
Sentences
Diction
2: Common writing mistakes
3: Writing in plain language
4. Communication Basics
4.1 Intrapersonal communication
4.2 Interpersonal communication
4.3 Non-verbal communication
4.4 Models of communication
4.5 Intercultural communication
Module 2 - Writing for Specific Business purposes
1. Business and technical reports
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Invoices
4. Instructions
5. Letters
6. Meeting notes
7. Memos
8. Periodic reports
9. Progress reports
10. Proposals
11. References
12. Status reports
13. Technical descriptions
14. How-to guides
DAY 2
Writing Workshop – Writing for Specific Business purposes
In this hands-on session, attendees will apply the foundational knowledge
acquired on Day 1. They will practice in this workshop, the writing of specific
documents as specified by the client prior to the course. Examples are
proposals, business letters and reports.
The workshop is based on practical intervention by the presenter, who will
critically review work completed.
DAY 3
Module 3 - Writing for the Communication Function
1. Article writing
1.1 Press releases
Getting news published
1.2 Trend / feature articles
1.3 Opinion pieces
2. Marketing communication
3. Advertising
3.1 Writing a radio advertisement
3.2 Writing a print advertisement
4. Writing for the electronic medium
4.1 Web content – principles and good practice\
4.2 Writing for interactive multimedia
4.3 Electronic publishing principles and practice
4.4 Writing a video script
5. Writing for publications
5.1 Communicating with stakeholders
Identifying stakeholders and
their communication needs
5.2 Annual and financial reports
5.3 Newsletters and magazines
5.4 Editing basics
6. Writing for notice boards
7. Writing signs
8. Writing a speech
9. Resources for writers
DAY 4
Workshop - Writing for the Communication Function
In this hands-on session, attendees will apply the foundational knowledge
acquired on Day 3. They will practice in this workshop, writing for specific
communication requirements as specified by the client prior to the course.
Examples are press releases, web-site content and brochure content.
The workshop is based on practical intervention by the presenter, who will
critically review work completed.
DAY 5
Module 4 - Strategic Corporate Communication
1. Issues identification and management
2. Stakeholder identification and management
3. Developing a communication strategy
4. Project communication management
(writing and communication as a component of project management)
Course Format
The courseware for the theoretical modules is presented in PowerPoint. Workshops
are interactive with each attendee contributing to the outputs agreed upfront.
Ongoing communication
Having completed the course, attendees join a mailing list to receive ongoing
communication from the presenters, including tips, trends and new developments
in communication.
References
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The content of the course draws on the presenters’
combined 24 years of experience in writing, corporate and marketing
communication and publishing.
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Course content also incorporates information from
several textbooks by leading subject specialists as well as online resources.
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Samples include the presenter’s own work as well as
relevant training material.
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