Do you want to write quality content, faster? If you wish to boost your output as a professional writer or simply want to improve your writing skills at work, writing courses can help.

Writing is important, professionally and personally. We write letters, memos, reports, emails, promotional content and more – all to communicate. Whether it’s to share ideas, to persuade and sell, to initiate change or to convey our emotions, writing is vital!

It’s clear, the ability to write effectively and confidently is a valuable skill across many professions, from admin staff to managers, copywriters, authors and editors.

So, whatever you do, our writing courses, such as Writing with Efficiency, will enhance your writing ability and boost your communication skills to get your message across professionally – every time!

Why not enrol in a writing course? You can start writing meaningful, relevant, accurate and easy-to-understand copy effectively and efficiently today!

 

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking writing courses include:

• Scope of writing -where is writing used
• What is effective writing
• Good writing is direct
• Good writing is objective
• Variety is good in writing
• Understanding human communication
• The communication process
• Types of communication (verbal, non-verbal, etc.)
• Communication channels
• Communicating efficiently
• Writing for a purpose
• Understand your reader
• Content
• Parts of speech
• Types of nouns -proper, common, collective
• Plurals
• Possessive nouns and pronouns
• Types of verbs: regular, irregular etc.
• Adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions
• Common grammatical errors: comma splices, fragmented sentences, dangling modifiers, etc
• Sentence construction
• Types of sentences: declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, etc
• Sentence structure
• Constructing sentences
• Combining sentences
• Expanding basic sentences
• Adding modifying words, phrases or clauses.
• Linking words or phrases
• Business formats
• Business letters
• Planning what you write
• Writing a media release
• Writing an answer or an essay
• Academic writing, verbs, quotations
• Active and passive voice

 

And more!

10 Types of Business Communications

When it comes to communicating professionally in your job, writing courses can hone your skills. There are many different types of business communications, from simple emails to press releases and reports. But, one thing that makes them all shine is the ability to communicate the written word clearly and concisely.

You probably won’t have to write in every format, unless you’re a career writer. But it does help to understand the basics if you’re asked to draft something last minute or in someone else’s absence.

So, let’s take a look at the most common business communications, their purpose and tips on nailing the delivery every time -write on!

#1 – Emails

Email is one of the most widely used forms of communication, both professionally and personally. It’s fast and efficient and can be used for a variety of reasons, from sending meeting minutes, to exchanging information, sending important updates and making announcements or introductions.

Tips

• Use friendly, clear, concise language
• Make sure your message is actionable
• Identify and make clear your goal
• Consider your audience
• Proofread – always!
• Include a courteous greeting and closing
• Use the five elements of structure – subject line, salutation, body, closing, signature

#2 – Memos

Memos (or memorandums) are great for short, direct communications that can be sent quickly. You can send your memo via email without using the five elements of a professional email. You just need to include the bare bones to get your message across.

 

Tips

• Include – To, From, Date, Subject and Body
• Keep it short, to the point and use a business-like tone
• Avoid emotional language
• Begin with a declaration of purpose (‘I am writing to inform you…’)
• Close with a call to action
• Choose easy to read fonts, such as Times New Roman or Cambria.

#3 – Reports

Reports involve presenting your research and analysis of information, a project or issue and then making recommendations and proposals. There are many different types of reports, from business to scientific and research-based, but all follow a similar format.

Tips

• Know your brief (what you’re investigating and intended report recipient)
• Write an executive summary and table of contents last
• Plan before you start the writing process
• Use a clear layout (include headings and sub-headings)
• Write short, simple sentences and use well-structured paragraphs
• Use third-person language
• Check spelling and punctuation are correct

#4 – Instant Messages

Whether it’s WhatsApp or Messenger, instant messages are an ideal way to send short messages to your co-workers. The trick is to remember that it’s a bit like walking into someone’s office and striking up a conversation. It’s important to remain professional in a conversational way.

 

Tips

• Keep it quick and to the point
• Start with a polite greeting (‘Morning, Jane. Got a minute.’)
• Use proper English (no abbreviations)
• No emojis!
• Respond promptly (if you’re the recipient)
• Sign off with a simple ‘thank you’

 

#5 – Manuals  

Manuals provide users with quick answers to questions about products or procedures. The most important aspect of writing the manual is to ensure a thorough knowledge of the product or process!

 

Tips

• Think like a user (know your audience)
• Use active voice (‘To complete this project, you will need x, x and x”)
• Write clear instructions
• Establish editorial guidelines or standards (stay consistent)

 

#6 – Job Descriptions  

A job description is an important recruitment tool to hire the right person for a position. You may find yourself writing a job description if you’re in a management or leadership role – it’s not just a skill for HR or recruitment professionals!

 

Tips

• Write a clear, concise title for the position
• Describe the position attractively and accurately
• Explain the work environment
• Include vital skills, education and duties required
• Use gender-neutral language
• Outline compensation

 

#7– Letters

There are many instances where a professional letter is appropriate, from an application letter to a thank you or an acceptance of a job offer. On all these occasions, it’s essential to use the correct format to present a professional image.

 

Tips

• Be diplomatic and respectful
• Keep it concise
• Use standard professional letter format and font (Times New Roman, 12-point size)
• Ensure correct grammar, punctuation and spelling

 

#8– Press Releases

Press releases promote important news, products, services, events or information to the media in the expectation (and hope) that it’s ‘newsworthy’ and is shared with the public. It’s the best and least expensive way to advertise!

 

Tips

• Make sure your lead paragraph has a hook for the journalist
• Include the big five (who, what, when, where and how)
• Write in inverted pyramid style (most important information first)
• Include quotes attributed to an important person or public figure
• Use a catchy headline
• Include contact person for further information at the end

 

#9– Proposals

Proposals can be intimidating – you’re tasked with convincingly articulating a potential problem and proposing a solution or recommendations. So, it’s crucial to get the writing right, so potential clients take notice and choose you/your company!

 

Tips

• Research and gather important information first
• Include information about yourself/your company
• Demonstrate knowledge of the problem, pricing and methodology
• Keep your audience in mind
• Include a cover letter
• Use visuals – infographics, photos, blockquotes and bulleted lists
• Send it digitally – via email
• Check spelling, grammar and punctuation

 

#10 – Newsletters

If you’re asked to put together a newsletter, some basic tips will ensure your success! Basically, you’ll be announcing interesting content, announcements, events and promotions to keep an audience in the know! It could a printed internal newsletter or a mass EDM (electronic direct mail) campaign – regardless, it needs to be enticing so that your intended audience reads it!

 

Tips

• Balance a newsletter 90% information and 10% promotion
• Use a sharp, short, creative headline
• Keep design and copy simple
• Pick one primary call-to-action
• Make sure images have ‘alt’ text
• Make it easy to unsubscribe

 

There are many types of business communications, and they all require effective and efficient writing styles. Learn more with writing courses that boost your message like Writing With Efficiency.