The new buzz in the world of business writing is plain language writing. Plain language writing extends the rules of clarity and conciseness and overlays them with techniques to increase reader buy in. Learning to move your readers from alpha mode to beta mode will ensure your business documents are effective and get you the results you want.
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WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Effective business writing is no longer just about clarity and conciseness, now we have to find techniques to capture the reader’s interest and to encourage them to take the action we want. This session focuses on spotlighting the reader in letters and emails and on using plain language writing techniques.
YOU WILL LEARN:
- Techniques to create reader “buy-in”
- Three templates for letters: information, bad news and persuasion
- The best organizational pattern for emails
- Tips to build minute-taking skills
COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction
- Business writing versus academic writing
- Understanding the needs and wants of today’s readers
- Characteristics of effective letters and emails
Plain Language Writing
- Definition of plain language writing versus clear language writing
- 4 steps for effective writing
Tone
- Knowing 3 tones every business writer must be able to use: formal, neutral, and warm
- Spotlighting the reader
- Words that bless/words that burn
Letter Organization
- 3 templates for letters: information, bad news, persuasion (sales)
- Powerful opening lines
- Effective closing lines
- Clichés to avoid
Group writing assignment
Emails
- Set-up
- Subject lines
- Opening lines
Group writing assignment
Minutes
- 5 sure-fire tips for easier minute taking
METHODS TO BE USED
This is a highly interactive workshop with participants involved in individual and group activities, exercises, and discussions. Questions are welcomed and encouraged.
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Course Code: WBJ702
Participants Comments
Leaned something new in each section of the workshop, the first workshop I can say that about – Terry Fode, Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre