Discover the keys to successful writing in the workplace. Whether you are writing a report, proposal, letter or publicity notice, business writing has some defined characteristics for success. Topics in this online course include tools and techniques for improving your editing and proofreading skills; common writing mistakes and grammatical pitfalls; how to write attention-grabbing news stories, press releases and publicity notices; and successful techniques for constructing business reports and proposals.

THE PROGRAM

The Business Writing Certificate is offered through our partner, Learning Resources Network, Inc. (aka UGotClass). It is composed of three, month-long courses:

Business Writing – 16 hours

Writing as a Process

• Audience, Purpose, and Medium
• Outlining for Successful Writing
• Organization Models (Choosing a Model that Works)
• Principles of Business Communication

Written Communication in the Workplace

• Writing Reports (formal and informal)
• Drafting and Revision
• Writing the First Draft
• Constructing Openings and Closings that Work

Writing a Proposal

• Writing for Your Readers
• Writing Effective Content
• Safeguarding Users
• Ethical Considerations

Collaborative Writing and Research

• Research and Team Writing
• Collaborating Across Departments
• Working Through Conflict

Effective Copywriting – 16 hours

Copywriting Essentials

• How to tell the difference between bad copy and good copy
• The art of the perfect sentence
• Developing your message
• Crafting your document roadmap
• Adapting your style to the audience and message

Getting to the Point

• Clarity and brevity: Less is more
• Active vs. Passive Voice
• Cutting the clutter
• Using concrete examples and avoiding unwarranted superlatives 

Self-Editing

• Leaving yourself time for revisions
• Avoiding common grammar mistakes and punctuation pitfalls
• Subject, verb and object agreement
• Fact checking
• The benefits of having an in-house style guide

Creating Attention-grabbing Press Releases

• Writing benefit-driven copy
• Setting the right tone
• Language to use and language to avoid
• Writing a great headline

Writing News and Press Releases - 16 hours

The Skills good journalists have

• What journalists know how to do
• How to think like your audience
• Kinds of publicity notices
• Keys to successful publicity notices

Writing a good news story

• The inverted pyramid
• The 5 Ws and H
• How not to bury the lead
• Writing a good headline for your story

Creating the Successful Press Release

• The press release format
• Quotes, how many to use, who to quote and how
• How and where to highlight your organization and contact
• Avoiding the direct sales pitch

Distributing Your Press Release

• Targeting media, journalists and audiences
• Email press releases
• Print press releases
• Getting attention