In today’s fast-changing world, trends in communication have evolved from what they were ten, five and even two years ago. Many of us do not have the time in our busy schedules to actively explore these changes and to ensure that we are up-to-date with the standard practises in our chosen fields.

In addition, it is easy to fall into the trap of bad habits in the way that we complete our day-to-day business writing activities; on the other hand, we may simply be misinformed about the correct ways in which to conduct our business writings. Some of us may be expected to record and transcribe the minutes of meetings, but are not sure how to do this.

This course is aimed at assisting those people in a corporate environment who desire to polish their business writing skills, and brush up on techniques that will assist them in making sure that their written communication projects the professional image that they wish it to project.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Communication Theory

• Communication model and components – verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Overview of how face-to-face communication differs from written communication
• Guidelines on deciding when to use written or verbal communication (i.e. context-appropriateness of written and verbal communication).
• Assessment

Module 2: English as the International Business Language

• Introduction: global marketplace and the importance of being able to communicate effectively across the globe
• Grammar rules and exercises
• Common spelling errors and ways of avoiding them
• Punctuation
• Tenses
• Writing tone and style, including appropriate word usage
• Assessment

Module 3: Business Writing

• The importance of planning
• Techniques for planning, writing & editing written work
• Assessment

Module 4: Business Reports

• Types of business reports and when they are used
• Format of business reports
• Content of business reports

Module 5: Minutes of Meetings

• Meeting terminology
• Preparing for a meeting
• The skills of minute-taking:
• The notice
• The agenda
• The minutes (including note-taking skills)

Method of Presentation: Facilitation, lectures, group discussion, group work, activities, individual assessments, use of PPT slides, manuals

Assessment: Formative assessments; constructive feedback during activities