Business Report Writing Training Course
'I cannot be more complimentary about the course I attended on Friday. I only wish I had attended years ago! It was very professional, to the point, helpful and directly applicable to what we do. It was also not only applicable to report writing, but also to the organisation of thoughts and arguments and day-to-day workloads, which is fundamental in any role'.
Natalie Wells, Senior Planner, Barton Wilmore Design Limited
Duration
1 day
What is this course about?
The aim of this programme is to give participants the proficiency to collect data, organise material and produce finished reports efficiently and effectively so that they will impress their readers - senior staff and clients alike. The course method will consist of sessions led by the tutor, syndicate and full group discussions, as well as practical work at every stage.
Who would benefit?
Anyone who has to prepare business reports - whether brief or detailed.
Objectives
By the end of the programme, those who have attended will be able to:
- Focus on the power of the report format
- Plan their approach strategically
- Collect and organise material efficiently and effectively
- Handle words and visuals sensitively
- Develop a style suitable for the reader and with which they are comfortable
- Identify short cuts to communication
- Refine techniques which they can make unique to themselves
Key topics covered
1. The purpose of reports
- Definition
- When and why they are necessary to you and the company
- Overall purpose
- Standard report formats - the pros and cons
2. Effective report planning
- Getting started and removing the writer's block
- What to ask before you begin
- The stages to go through to give you confidence
- Carrying out the plan
3. Producing a report - the content
- Assimilating material from different sources
- Organising the material and sequencing
- Outlining and producing a report specification
- Isolating fact from opinion
- Dealing with visuals
- Appendices, indexes and bibliographies
- Layout - formal, informal
4. Developing an appropriate and effective writing style
- The essentials of good English
- Words, sentences, paragraphs, prose versus bullet points
- Spelling and punctuation
- Sequencing alternatives
- Common grammatical problems
5. Practical report writing
- Bringing it all together so that the method is second nature
- Persuasion - influence, theory and practice
6. Writing refinements
- The touches that make the difference
- Key words and referencing
7. Preparing the report for ciculation
- Making final checks
- Sending the report out and feedback from recipients
8. Writing bonuses and shortcuts
- Techniques to save you time
- Reports to be discussed at meetings
