If you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to instructor-led training because

  • your staff is geographically dispersed
  • classroom training is inconvenient and difficult to schedule, or
  • you don’t have a large enough group to justify an instructor

then this self-study version of our Effective Business Writing program suits your needs.

What do participants learn?

Effective Business Writing teaches business people at all levels how to write clearly, concisely and persuasively in less time. You learn to

  • Follow a four-step process that applies to any writing situation
  • Get your thoughts to paper quickly and easily
  • Structure every message for clarity so readers get the point quickly
  • Be persuasive to generate action and engage the reader
  • Write clearly and concisely
  • Invigorate your writing and create a positive, upbeat image
  • Avoid embarrassing grammar mistakes that erode your credibility

How is the self-study version different?

This self-study program does far more than just ‘lecture’ the reader. Instead, it’s designed with the same interactivity as our instructor-led program. To engage the learner, reinforce learning and test knowledge, the self-study course includes lots of different kinds of activities, including:

  • An orientation self-assessment quiz, which shows readers what they need to focus on and directs them to the areas they need to improve
  • Short answer quizzes
  • Multiple choice tests
  • Idea-generating writing exercises
  • A crossword puzzle review
  • Case studies
  • Hundreds of sentences and documents to revise
  • A post-course self-assessment quiz to show readers what they’ve learned and what they still need to work on

The self-study course provides suggested answers for all these activities. It also includes job aids to help participants create and edit effective letters, memos and reports; and handy tip sheets that summarize each learning module.

The 260 page manual is bound in a 3-ring binder and takes about 20 hours to complete, depending on the needs of the learner.

The layout is inviting and the heading structure is clear with a consistent hierarchy. To keep the tone light, we place useful sidebar information in the margins and include quotations on every page to entertain, amuse and inspire.

How will you benefit?

  • Strengthen relationships – internal and external – by taking care of the reader’s needs and using an engaging style.
  • Maximize your effectiveness – get the results you want.
  • Save time and improve productivity for you and your reader.
  • Enhance your professional image and credibility by identifying and correcting grammatical mistakes.
  • Enjoy the flexibility of a distance learning course independent of technology. You can work through this course in bed, between appointments, or at the cottage. You don’t need to be sitting in front of a computer or in a training room.

What kind of support is available?

Participants can always reach us by phone, fax or e-mail with any questions.

Individual written feedback: Participants are welcome to fax or e-mail us pre- or post-course writing samples. We will review them and provide written feedback. Most people benefit from a targeted, personal response to their writing.

Follow up and coaching: If you’ve put a group through the program, you can arrange to have us come in and provide follow-up coaching sessions for individual learners.

What does it cost?

Individual programs are $549.

Ask about our volume discounts.

Shipping and taxes are extra.