Business writing training pays long term dividends

Writing for business is very different from academic writing, yet many business people do not realise this. However, business writing training is becoming more popular.

Most people learn to write at school and, maybe, at university and they write the same way for the rest of their life. Many people don't even think about what's involved in the writing process.

Business writing training and letter writing training can change all this.

A quality course will explain the four stages of writing: planning, drafting, editing and proofing. (In fact, if you are considering business writing training, a good way to assess the quality of what's on offer, is to ask if the four stages are explained).

Excellent writers are acutely aware of the importance of all four stages. Although it is true to say that despite the importance of the four stages, the precise amount of time a writer spends in each stage depends on personality, work habits, writing skill, and the complexity of the message.

Planning

Planning involves getting your thoughts together. Clarifying ‘what exactly I want to say' and making a list of subject areas or topics to be covered.

Planning is the most important stage of the writing process, yet is frequently overlooked or poorly executed. Attempting to save time is often the reason. The urge to get started and produce something prevails.

However, good communication is always the result of good planning and preparation. It's a good example of the 80/20 rule: spend 80% of the time on preparation, 20% on the writing and editing.

Drafting the text

This is the time to get all your thoughts on paper. Don't worry about getting things exactly ‘correct' or in any set order, just get it all on paper.

Use your outline as a guide and simply write without fine-tuning which can interrupt the flow. The first draft is the quickest part of the process - equivalent to a block of wood, from which you will sculpt the finished product.

Separate each point into a new paragraph and, as you write, imagine you are talking to your reader. This approach helps you use clear, conversational language. Use a positive, active and personal tone and address your reader directly.

Editing and reviewing

It is best to leave the draft for a while before tackling the editing. Editing is just like rewriting. Usually, it is the most enjoyable part of the job. You get things in order, you cut long sentences down to size, you refine, fine tune and improve all the way through.

Spend some time away from what you've written, then re-look at the document and begin to refine it.

Trim sentences to make them shorter and succinct and remove unnecessary words and phrases.

Proofing and finalising

As the final phase of the writing process, this is where you check everything. Carefully.

Look for typos, irregular spacing, omissions and incorrect punctuation. Check names and technical information for accuracy. Errors in any of these can dilute your professionalism in the eyes of your reader, who may dismiss what you are saying.

With business writing training you learn about the four stages of writing, you get to understand what is involved and your approach to writing changes.

Business writing training can clarify all the requirements for business writing.

If business writing training is presented professionally, most attendees come away with a different approach to their writing. The impact can last for the rest of their time in business.

Action Words is premium letter writing company in Melbourne. Action words not only offers business writing and letter writing, but also business writing courses and SEO copy. Distributed by Shout search engine optimisation.