Course Outline

You and your writing

• Identify your writing strengths and weaknesses
• Review grammar and punctuation rules and trends
• Discuss how to improve the review process – learning from feedback and giving feedback to others

The pre-writing stage of writing

• Think first – determine your writing goals and purpose
• Clarify what you want to say before you start writing
• Plan and structure your writing

Use the basic writing tools effectively

• Use paragraphs to build a logical structure
• Write concise, easy-to-read sentences and use sentence ‘hotspots’ for maximum persuasive effect
• Use bullet points to allow your reader to digest information efficiently
• Choose words that convey your message as clearly as
  possible

Write in an appropriate tone

• Understand the importance of good tone to team-building and to developing client relationships
• Use clear and assertive language to get the results you want
• Evaluate what works and what doesn’t work in emails

Formatting and layout tips

• Use formatting and design tools to cater for different reading styles
• Design documents for visual impact

Editing and proofreading

• Edit your work thoroughly for a professional finish
• Edit for layout as well as for language
• Edit as a reader, not as a writer

Preparing, planning and designing documents — what does your reader need?

• Clarify your purpose and desired outcomes
• Be clear about your key messages
• Write knowing your audience and knowing your objectives

Structure and plan your documents

• Use headings and subheadings generously
• Use numbering, bullet lists and indents to bunch information
• Know when to use executive summaries, appendices, footnotes etc

Write for different audiences

• Review audience types and how to write for specific audiences
• Layer information to provide both a high-level overview for some readers and detail for others
• Make technical information accessible to non-technical readers

Use tables and graphs effectively

• Know when to use a table or graph
• Integrate your table or graph into your text
• Keep your graphs and tables simple and clear

Write competent executive summaries

• Key elements and important considerations for executive summaries
• Be concise, concrete and specific
• Avoid generalisations

Write clear options and recommendations

• Identify risks and opportunities
• Anticipate readers’ questions and objections
• Write stand-alone recommendations