Effective Business Communication

Intended for anyone who wishes to learn how to communicate effectively in business. The student is required to have experience of using Windows and Microsoft Word in addition to some experience of using email and the Internet.

The course takes about 20 hours to complete and covers the following topics:

Lesson 1: Become familiar with the course content, know about different sorts of communication, construction of a sentence, sentence structure, subject and verb agreement, correct use of punctuation, know about common errors, including use of the apostrophe.

Lesson 2: Use the appropriate tone for a letter, know how to use positive words and phrases, using non-sexist language in writing, avoiding clichés and jargon, know about the plain English Campaign.

Lesson 3: Know about the style of writing including short words, sentences and paragraphs, know the correct layout for letters, writing letters from draft through to final copy, know how to proof read effectively, know about proof reading symbols.

Lesson 4: Writing a letter of complaint, a letter of apology, a circular letter and a thank you letter.

Lesson 5: Be familiar with the format of the curriculum vitae, know how to write a job application letter, learn to write notes, notices, memos and fax forms, know how to design and about the use of leaflets, learn about envelope sizes and the use of different paper.

Lesson 6: Learn about e-mail, learn about net acronyms, netiquette, how to set out a business email and how to format and present web pages.

Lesson 7: Know how to communicate effectively on the telephone, about non-verbal communication such as body language and dress, learn about video confrencing and the advantages of personal networking.

Lesson 8: Understand how to alleviate fears when doing a presentation, learn how to structure and prepare a presentation, know how to use your voice for effective communication and learn about non-verbal communication in a presentation.