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Business Writing Skills

Overview

Working in a professional environment requires you to write a wide range of documents (including emails, letters, minutes, policy documents, reports and research summaries,) often for different audiences and mediums.

People receiving these documents want to be able to read the (sometimes complex) information quickly and easily. They also want the information to be accurate – and the document free from grammar mistakes and typos.

The Business Writing Skills training course focuses primarily on good business writing principles that can be used across a range of business documents. It does not cover specific documents such as reports, guides, policies, etc.

It uses examples, discussions, exercises and feedback to give attendees the knowledge and confidence to write a range of accurate, clear and concise business documents.

While generic scenarios are supplied, ideally attendees should bring a familiar document or subject to use as a writing exercise.

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 0947 344

Training objectives and outcomes:

  • Consider the needs of the reader and tailor writing accordingly
  • Structure documents appropriately so it’s easy for the reader to follow
  • Use different structure templates for different types of documents
  • Adapt writing style and language for different purposes, platforms and audiences
  • Produce a skeleton and create a first draft more easily
  • Help decision-makers find the information they need faster
  • Use signposting and transition phrases to ease flow
  • Edit out unnecessary words to make writing clear and concise for the reader
  • Make your writing inclusive and accessible for wider audiences
  • Avoid common grammar mistakes
  • Use tools and techniques to improve proofreading skills
  • Be more confident in your ability to write professionally

Qualification

This programme is CPD Certified by The CPD Certification Service, providing independent recognition that the course meets established standards for continuing professional development. Participants can use their attendance as evidence of structured professional learning and development.

What Our Delegates Say

Agenda

9:30
Registration and GovPD Welcome Address 
9:50
Understanding the Audience
  • Determining the purpose of the document
  • Considering the target audience(s) and how this will affect your writing
  • Agreeing the message that will engage your audience(s)
10:15
Turning Source Material into a First Draft
  • Finding, creating or summarising source material
  • Creating a skeleton of key points to include
  • Avoiding the pitfalls of ‘first draft perfection’
11:00
Break
11:15
Using Templates to Structure the First Draft
  • The inverted pyramid template to structure informative material
  • The AIDA template to structure actionable material
  • The difference between reports and proposals templates
12:00
Adapting Writing Style for Different Audiences and Purposes
  • Why you need to adapt your writing styles
  • Striking the right balance between professionalism and formality
  • Avoiding jargon and unnecessary ‘big’ words
12:45
Lunch
13:45
Differentiating Between Drafting, Editing and Proofreading
  • The essentials of each discipline
  • How to make your writing flow
  • Techniques to make your writing clear, concise and accessible
15:00
Break
15:15
Avoiding Common Grammar Mistakes
  • Using punctuation correctly
  • Avoiding run on sentences and fragments
  • Matching subjects to verbs
  • Choosing between active and passive
  • Using the right personal pronoun
15:30
Grammar exercises
16:30
Trainer’s Summary and Close

*Programme subject to change

Who should attend ?

This course is suitable for professionals at all levels who need to communicate clearly and effectively in writing as part of their role. It is particularly valuable for:

  • Managers and team leaders responsible for producing professional written communications
  • Administrative and business support staff preparing emails, letters, minutes and internal documents
  • Policy, communications and public affairs professionals drafting reports, briefings and stakeholder communications
  • Project and programme staff who need to present information clearly to colleagues, clients or decision-makers
  • Public sector and not-for-profit employees producing accurate and accessible documentation
  • Officers and coordinators who regularly prepare summaries, updates, proposals or guidance documents
  • Professionals looking to improve the clarity, tone and structure of their business writing
  • Anyone who wants to increase confidence in grammar, proofreading and professional communication skills

The course is designed for both experienced professionals wishing to refine their writing style and those newer to professional writing who want to build strong foundations in effective business communication.

Course Instructor

Smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a green-and-white patterned blouse and pendant necklace

Lorraine Forrest-Turner

Course Instructor

Lorraine Forrest-Turner is a freelance copywriter, communication skills trainer and published playwright. She has worked on all sides of the ‘words’ business, including journalism, public relations, advertising and creative writing. She is a member of and an accredited trainer for both the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the Public Relations and Communications Association, and is a member of ProCopywriters, the alliance of commercial copywriters. Clients she has recently delivered training to include the Metropolitan Police, Interpol, and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

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