Planning your document (format, contents and structure)
- Participants will learn how to use a generic template to identify the appropriate format, contents and structure of any document. Introduction to a generic template for planning documents.
- The four questions to ask before starting to write (why, who, what and how). Identifying the best format, contents and tone for documents from the answers.
- Applying a logical structure and flow to guide readers through documents and get important messages noticed.
- Why and how to write an executive summary or abstract.
Presenting data (text, tables, figures and charts)- Participants will learn how to choose between and create, text, tables, charts or figures for presenting information and ideas. The pluses and minuses of using text, tables, figures and charts to present information.
- When and how to decide which to use.
- An introduction to creating professional-looking tables, charts and figures in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Using the right language - (plain English)- Participants will learn what can make some writing more difficult for readers, and how to make sure that theirs is always clear and concise.
- The principles of plain English.
- Tips and techniques for spotting un-plain English
- Tips and techniques for writing in plain English
Corporate style guide- Participants will learn techniques for making sure that readers can understand any terminology, as well as how to apply consistency to documents generally.
- What should be considered as terminology.
- Methods of providing definitions/explanations: glossaries, footnotes and references. abbreviations and acronyms, annexes and appendices.
- Which of the above to use and when.
- The benefits of a corporate style guide and what should go in one.
By the end of this course delegates will have the skills to:
- Create clear and well thought through documents
- Adopt the appropriate business writing style and language for their audience
- Deliver data clearly and concisely
- Understand how to produce professional technical reports adopting the appropriate corporate style for your organisation
This training programme is ideal for all individuals who are keen to improve their overall written communication skills as well as those who regularly are required to develop and deliver technical reports for their organisation.
This course is fully interactive, and features a number of highly practical exercises that will stimulate the delegates interest and emphasise the relevance of the numerous learning points. It is tailored to the requirements of your organisation and would be available for the company to use on an ongoing basis.
There is no pre-course work required, although delegates may like to bring along examples of Technical documents they deal with.
Mind-Mapping Skills (available on request)
All delegates who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS for INHOUSE DELIVERY (requires a further half day session)
- Common mistakes in grammar and punctuation - what to do and what not to do
- Tips, techniques and checklists - for checking over what has been written.
We deliver our Technical Writing Skills course throughout the UK and beyond. We can facilitate onsite at your premises, as a virtual training option for those who are working from home or at any number of venues in Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Cardiff or London. Contact Us for more information or click the green button below to see when we are next running this as an open course anyone can attend.
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