It is essential to understand how to write reports and proposals that get read. We write reports in a range of formats and a variety of purposes. Whether you need to report on a product analysis, inventory, feasibility studies, or something else, report writing is a skill you will use again and again.

Having a method to prepare these documents will help you be as efficient as possible with the task. This Writing Reports and Proposals course will build on a solid base of writing skills to present information in formal, informal, and proposal styles.

The specific objectives of this unique experience are to help you:

·         Utilize the '7 C's of Business Writing

·         Understand how to ensure email is used professionally and effectively

·         Know the basic structure of agendas, email messages, business letters, business proposals, and business reports.

·         Know tips and techniques to use when deciding the most appropriate format to use for agendas, email messages, business letters, business proposals, and business reports.

·         Gain an overview of Request for Proposals, Projections, Executive Summaries, and Business Cases.

·         Define proofreading and understand techniques in improving proofreading skills.

·         List guidelines in printing and publishing business writing.

Those who are in a secretarial or administrative position, and who wish to improve their skills, or those who are about to be appointed to such a position.

The Seven C's of Business Writing

·         Care - take pride in work

·         Clear - easy to understand

·         Correct - the right words

·         Concise - Is it too wordy

·         Creative - different styles

·         Complete - check the 5 W's

·         Courteous - be professional

·         Keep reader's needs in mind

Controlling office technology before it controls you -

Structuring Business Communication

·         Communication Basics

·         Defining your Message

·         Analyze your Audience

·         Structuring your Message

Developing a Business Writing Style

·         Roles of Written Communication

·         Good Written Communication

·         Communication Checklist

·         Develop an Effective Writing Style

Essential technical editing and writing skills

·         Use abbreviations, contractions, acronyms and symbols appropriately and consistently

·         Correctly write numbers and units using the metric system

·         Use capital letters appropriately and consistently

·         Decide whether to write a number with words or with digits

·         Employ strategies to prevent the overuse of acronyms

·         Use punctuation correctly and consistently

·         Use bulleted and numbered lists correctly and consistently

 Writing for Special Circumstances

·         What is Tactful Writing?

·         Rules for Tactful Writing

·         Writing a Bad News Letter

·         Why the Need for Persuasive Writing?

·         Strategies for Persuasive Writing

·         Writing a Persuasive Letter

Writing Meeting Agendas:

·         The Basic Structure

·         Choosing a Format

·         Writing the Agenda

Writing Proposals:

·         The Basic Structure

·         Choosing a Format

·         Writing the Letter

Writing Reports:

·         The Basic Structure

·         Choosing a Format

·         Writing the Letter

Other Types of Documents

·         Requests for Proposals

·         Projections

·         Executive Summaries

·         Business Cases

WRITING TECHNICAL & BUSINESS PROPOSALS

·         The Basic Structure

·         Choosing a Format

·         Writing the Letter

·         Explain the key difference between reports and proposals

·         Identify the six essential questions that you must answer in your proposal

·         Explain the importance of establishing your credibility

·         Explain the importance of solving a problem for your readers

·         Write a covering letter that quickly establishes context

·         Construct a title that includes a recommendation and a benefit

·         Write an effective executive summary

·         Write a background section that provides the necessary context

·         Convert features and advantages to benefits

·         Employ a modular format

·         Employ plain English to enhance your clarity and reputation

·         Employ highly effective persuasion strategies

·         Engage in effective lobbying behavior

Developing Oral Communication Skill

·         Guidelines for Effective Oral Communication

·         Planning

·         Key components to Enhance Oral Communication

·         Elements of Good Oral Communication

·         Principles of Effective Speeches

·         Speech Styles or Delivery Formats

·         Active Listening and Observation 

Doing Business on the Telephone

·         Telephone Etiquette

·         Answering the Telephone Courteously

·         What to Tell the Caller

·         Handling Rude or Impatient Callers

·         Screening Calls

·         Taking Messages

·         Telephone Fundamentals

·         End Conversation Gracefully

·         Checking Messages and Returning Calls

Proofreading and Finishing - Avoid the Cringe

·         A Proofreading Primer

·         How Peer Review can help

·         Printing and Publishing

A variety of methodologies will be used during the course that includes:

·         (30%) Based on Case Studies

·         (30%) Techniques 

·         (30%) Role Play

·         (10%) Concepts

·         Pre-test and Post-test

·         Variety of Learning Methods

·         Lectures

·         Case Studies and Self Questionaires

·         Group Work

·         Discussion

·         Presentation

This rate includes participant’s manual, Hand-Outs, buffet lunch, coffee/tea on arrival, morning & afternoon of each day.

Daily Course Timings:

    08:00 - 08:20       Morning Coffee / Tea

    08:20 - 10:00       First Session

    10:00 - 10:20       Coffee / Tea / Snacks

    10:20 - 12:20       Second Session

    12:20 - 13:30       Lunch Break & Prayer Break

    13:30 - 15:00       Last Session