Syllabus:
Section 1: Intro
Unit 1.1 - Introduction
Introduces the approach and importance of the course
Section 2: Writing for Readers
Unit 2.1 - What Do You Want From Your Reader?
Teaches you how to use Reader Response Models to predict how readers will react to your writing
Unit 2.2 - What Do Readers Want From Your Writing?
Explains the importance of knowing why you are writing and ensuring that your reasons make your writing useful, interesting and/or enjoyable for readers
Unit 2.3 - Sensory Preferences
Explains the four key sensory preferences of readers, and how to appeal to them through your writing
Unit 2.4 - Section Plenary
Section 3: Structure and Flow
Unit 3.1 - Planning & The Pyramid Structure
Teaches you the importance and planning and structure, and how to use the Pyramid Principle to structure your writing effectively and write concise introductions
Unit 3.2 - Flow
Explains what flow is, the benefits of flow, and two ways to achieve flow
Unit 3.3 - Section Plenary
Section 4: Writing with Style
Unit 4.1 - Make Your Writing Easy to Follow
Defines cognitive cost, explains how to use sub-headings and connectors to reduce it, and provides techniques that will help you summarise your writing
Unit 4.2 - How to Write a Great Sentence
Teaches you how to use readability statistics to improve the quality of your sentences
Unit 4.3 - The Words That Attract Readers
Explains a variety of techniques for using clear and effective words, how to avoid bad jargon, and how to avoid the language of mission statements
Unit 4.4 - Punctuation and Grammar
Gives you five tips to ensure you avoid some common punctuation and grammar pitfalls, provides guidelines for using numbers in writing, and explains how to avoid the passive voice and unnecessary verbs
Unit 4.5 - Section Plenary
Section 5: Editing your Writing
Unit 5.1 - Getting the Most From Feedback
Outlines the value of feedback, why we are often reluctant to give and receive feedback, and how to categorise feedback to maximise its value
Unit 5.2 - Editing Your Work
Teaches you six techniques for quickly and effectively editing your writing
Unit 5.3 - Section Plenary
Section 6: Course Ending
Unit 6.1 - Course Ending
Concludes the course and provides some advice about continuing to improve your business writing
About The Author, Andreas Loizou
Andreas Loizou has run training courses since 1999 and was the highest-rated speaker on the Financial Times Intro to the City program six years in succession. His clients include governments and financial institutions around the world. Andreas has also signed off research at BNP Paribas, worked in equity research at Goldman Sachs and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PWC.
Andreas is now a Leader in Residence at Leeds University Business School, where he talks to MBAs and Masters in Occupational Psychology about effective communication.
