After years of learning to write essays, it’s time to learn how to write in the real world. Business writing is more than just putting words on paper. It’s about conveying the message in the appropriate format and tone. In this class, we’ll be looking at different types of business writing students may encounter in the real world. We’ll also look at words we use and the way we present.

Class 1:
Five steps to successful writing
Purpose - Why are you creating content?
Audience - Who are you writing to?
Scope - What do they need to know?
Medium - How are you going to present the information?

Class 2: Correspondence
Types of correspondence - Letters, emails, memos
Formal business letter format
Formal writing style and tone
Class activity - Adjust the style and tone of business letters
HOMEWORK: Create a business letter

Class 3: Forms
Key elements of a form
Digital forms versus paper forms
Response types
Wording questions
Designing a form
Class activity - Practice writing questions for a form
HOMEWORK: Create a digital form and a paper form

Class 4: Job descriptions
Key elements of a job description
Look at examples of job descriptions
Word choices
Sentence faults - Comma splices, run-on sentences, dangling modifiers
Class activity - Practice revising job descriptions
HOMEWORK: Create a job description

Class 5: Progress and Activity Reports
What’s the difference between a progress and activity report?
Key elements of both reports
Look at examples of reports
Class activity - Practice writing content for reports
HOMEWORK: Create a progress report or an activity report

Class 6: Newsletter part 1
Key elements of a newsletter
Look at examples of newsletters
Basic journalistic rules for writing newsletter articles
Review mechanics and punctuation
Class activity - Practice writing newsletter articles

Class 7: Newsletter part 2
Design do’s and don’ts 
Using graphics and other visuals
Layouts and programs to use for design
Class activity - Practice newsletter design
HOMEWORK: Put together a newsletter using pre-written articles

Class 8: Instructions
Key elements of instructions
Review mood and voice
Tips for clarity and conciseness
Design tips
HOMEWORK: Put together a set of instructions