This very practical workshop is designed to enable participants to improve the impact, clarity and accuracy of their business documents - both internal and external.:
This workshop will help participants:
Identify the purpose of writing their documents - to themselves and to their readers
Recognise and meet the needs of their readers
Plan documents systematically and improve the layout, flow and structure
Express the content more clearly, concisely and correctly
Adapt the tone and style of writing to the circumstances
Proof-read and edit work effectively, using formal marks and techniques
Improve visual layout, format and appearance
1 Course objectives
Welcome and Introductions
The problems now - group discussion
2 Writing better business documents
What points to highlight / exclude
Starting off
Introductions
Conclusions
Executive summaries
3 Rules and standards
George Orwell's famous maxim
Why write? - clarifying your aims and objectives
A seven-step method for better preparation
The three-stage process for writing well
Grouping information for your reader
4 Proof-reading and editing
The difference between proof-reading and editing
Proof-reading methods and strategies
Proof-reading marks and techniques
Training your eye for detail
Knowing what to look for
5 Effective editing
Grammar and English standards
Words - usage and spelling
Sentences - units of thought
Paragraphs - themes
Punctuation - spotting and correcting common errors
Say what you mean - active v passive language
6 How's your English?
Grammar quizzes and punctuation test
Spotting spelling errors
Rephrasing jargons and clicheÌs
Common error's and mistakes
7 Document layout
House style
Use of white space
Fonts and effects
8 One-to-one workshops
These are practical sessions with one-to-one consultation with colleagues and the trainer
They are held at key points to consolidate the learning from different sessions
9 Course summary
Summary of key points
Action plans