‘How to write well’ with James Hurford Business Writing Masterclass

Module 1:

Title: The power of words

Outcomes: Once the learner has completed this unit, they’ll be able to apply:

1. Talking to your reader — • Imagining the person you are writing to • Writing as you talk • Being clear • Being concise • Making it perfect

2. Effective writing — • Keeping it simple • Making it readable • Accurate content • Brief style

2. Overcoming fear of writing — • Talking to someone else on paper • Thinking clearly and writing clearly Exercise: Emails are the perfect place to practice. Learners will be asked to bring six existing emails to edit and rewrite.

Module 2:

Title: Master emails and text messages

Outcomes: Once the learner has completed this unit, they’ll be able to apply:

1. Headlines — • Grab your readers attention 2. White space — • Break up long paragraphs • Using Subheads

3. Numbers and bullet points — • Scanning • Visual breaks • Drawing attention • Communicating quickly

4. Formatting — • Italics • Indents • Bold text • Captions • Images

Exercise: Learners will be asked to make existing documents look easy to read.

Module 3:

Title: Three steps to writing well

Outcomes: Once the learner has completed this unit, they’ll be able to apply:

1. Three steps to writing well — • Writing • Rewriting • Polishing

3. Structure — • Making a plan • Putting it in logical order • Making headings

3. Style — • Using everyday speech • Using simple words • Short sentences and short paragraphs

Exercise: Learners will be asked to structure existing emails or documents. They will then write, rewrite and polish.

Module 4:

Title: Using plain language

Outcomes: Once the learner has completed this unit, they’ll be able to apply:

1. Clear writing — • Being understood first time • Cutting jargon • Using simple words • Using short sentences • Making people act

3. Efficiency — • Cutting • Editing • Rewriting • Reducing documents • Reducing administration

Exercise: Learners will be asked to bring 3 existing jargon ladened documents to edit, cut and rewrite using plain language.

Course requirements: In preparation for the course learners will be required to print out and bring:

• 6 existing emails of different lengths • 3 existing jargon ladened documents

Learners are encouraged to bring their mobile phones.

Prescribed reading: Learners will each be given a hard copy of How to write well — to read during the course and to take away with them.