Even with the advent of computers and software packages, business people spend hours compiling reports and writing letters which are long winded, badly structured, difficult to read and muddled.  This ruins the image of an organisation, and impedes the flow of information.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

To learn how to structure and write a professional business document.

COURSE CONTENT

THE AIM AND LANGUAGE

• Defining the real purpose of the letter or report.
• Identifying what the reader needs to know.
• Choice of words, length and content of sentences and paragraphs.
• Using the "Clarity Index" to check readability.

THE STRUCTURE AND LAYOUT

• Initial preparation and note-making.
• Getting the points in the right order.
• Guidelines for clear presentation.
• Use of diagrams, illustrations, tables.

NET ETIQUETTE

• Using and responding to e-mails
• What you should/should not say in e-mails
• Guidelines to structuring e-mails

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the conclusion of this programme, learners will be able to:

• Spend less time writing.
• Understand what the reader needs and wants.

• Produce properly structured material.

• Express their ideas more concisely.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

• Reports/memos and formal letters are written to practize business writing
• Clarity Index is used to assess clarity of written communication
• In class exercises and discussions about formats and styles
• Learners work on documentation being used in their job

COURSE INFORMATION