Description
OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course delegates will:
- Be able to consider the objectives of a written document in relation to the needs of the targeted audience
- Be aware of the different formats for writing business reports and the production of succinct and focused reports
- Be able to construct a report plan for formal communications relating to the type of report
- Have improved the ‘readability’ of the reports that they write with more effective use of language and enhanced spelling, grammar and punctuation skills
- Have a good understanding of the process of report writing
- Be able to demonstrate ways of ‘sparking up’ a report or a memo
- Be aware of how to support their report with suitable visual aids
PROGRAMME DETAILS
DAY ONE
Types of Communication in business
- Memos
- Letters
- Report
- Meeting summaries and minutes
- What are the choices in communications?
- Defining the Purpose of Written Communication
- The need to identify the readership and the objective
- Gathering the information
- What makes a report good?
- Case study
- Group exercise
DAY TWO
Methods of planning and structuring information into an appropriate format
- Video – The Art of Writing a Good Report
- Formats for business reports
- Structure and layout – preparation and planning
- Focusing communication and avoiding digression
- Emphasising key information
- Empathy
- Achieving reader goodwill through the effective presentation of the document
- Exercise
- Case study
DAY THREE
The production of ‘readable’ results
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Readability
- Using language effectively
- Words and phrases
- Editing for accuracy, conciseness and clarity
- Active or passive voice
- Illustrating reports with visual aids
