Preparing to Write Effectively to Your Audience

Overview/Description
 This course helps you prepare yourself for a business writing project. You will gain tips to help you conquer writer's block so you meet more deadlines and write easily under pressure. You will learn how to figure out exactly what you want to say in a business memo, letter, report or proposal. You will get guidelines for organizing your thoughts into an easy-to-write-from outline. You will discover how to pick the most effective approach for your targeted readers, and you will learn how to shape your message to fit your reader's style, interests and needs.

Target Audience
 Any business professional who must meet the challenge of effectively and credibly communicating their ideas in writing.

Expected Duration
1.5 hours

Lesson Objectives:

Getting Your Reader to Respond

  • recognize the value of writing reader-centered business documents.
  • choose salutations, content, and sign-offs appropriate to the business purpose and to the intended reader of the message.
  • identify the elements which can make a call to action more effective.

    • Organizing Your Content

  • recognize the value of organizing messages so readers can follow them.
  • select the appropriate writing technique while preparing message content.
  • select sequencing methods appropriate to business messages.

    • Choosing the Best Approach

  • recognize the value of choosing the best approach when preparing to write a business document.
  • identify situations where the direct approach is appropriate.
  • identify situations where the indirect approach is appropriate.

    • Course Number: COMM0211