Online Class: Business Writing

Name: Business Writing
Price: 95.00 USD

Focusing on the cost of poor writing and the essentials of business communication, this program refines your ability to convey ideas effectively with precision and professionalism. Dive into lessons ranging from grammatical nuances to email etiquette, designed to suit beginners and experienced writers alike.

Self-Paced, Online Class

Phoenix Public Library

19

Lessons
48

Exams &
Assignments
11

Hours
average time
1.1

CEUs

Course Description

In an era where global collaboration and instant communication dominate the business world, the ability to convey one's ideas and intentions clearly and professionally becomes a non-negotiable asset. After all, in a realm where your written word often makes the first impression long before you do, who would willingly risk their professional stature due to poor writing? The stakes are even higher when you consider the potential of jeopardizing your company's credibility with less than impeccable communications to customers and stakeholders.

Introducing our comprehensive course on business communication, meticulously designed to transform your written communications from ordinary to exceptional. Delve into the intricacies of professional writing, from the foundational rules of grammar to the subtleties of tone and nuance.

For instance, have you ever paused, pondering whether 'affect' or 'effect' is suitable for a particular sentence? Or stumbled over the distinctions between 'except' and 'accept'? Such common dilemmas, though seemingly trivial, can significantly impact the perceived quality of your writing. Through detailed examples and thorough explanations, we'll navigate these linguistic intricacies, ensuring you not only learn but master them.

Our course doesn't just equip you with the knowledge; it offers an insight into the psyche of your readers. Understanding your audience is paramount; recognizing their expectations, preferences, and reservations enables you to craft messages that resonate and elicit desired responses.

Dive into a detailed curriculum, structured to provide holistic training:

Lesson 1: The High Cost of Poor Writing: Realizing its Impact on Business.
Lesson 2: Foundations of Business Writing: Setting the Stage for Excellence.
Lesson 3: Crafting Messages with the Reader in Mind: Building Accessibility and Relevance.
Lesson 4: The Pillars of Grammar: Spelling and Punctuation.
Lesson 5: Striking the Right Chord: Determining and Maintaining Tone.
Lesson 6: Navigating the Minefield: Avoiding Discriminatory Language.
Lessons 7-9: Writing with Purpose: Specialized Business Communications from Letters to Memos.
Lessons 10-12: The Digital Age Correspondence: Crafting Perfect Emails with Etiquette.
Lessons 13 & 14: Making First Impressions Count: Resumes and Application Letters.
Lesson 15: The Final Touch: Proofreading and Editing Techniques.
Lessons 16-18: Principles and Advanced Concepts: A Deep Dive into Writing Rules and Punctuation.
Lesson 19: Beyond the Course: Additional Writing Resources.

Ideal for a diverse audience, from budding professionals like assistants and secretaries to seasoned veterans like executives and senior managers, this course promises a significant enhancement in your communication skills, irrespective of your current proficiency level.

To sum it up, as professionals, we owe it to ourselves and our organizations to communicate with precision, clarity, and elegance. Our course stands as a testament to the idea that the art of effective business communication, while intricate, can be mastered with the right guidance. Join us on this enlightening journey, and watch as every word you pen thereafter carries the weight and grace of a seasoned professional.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Vocabulary Level 1

Fundraising 101

English Grammar Level 1

Course Motivation

Are you looking for a way to advance your career and improve your professional marketability?

If so, this is the course for you.

Nothing can undermine a promising career in business like poor written communication skills can. And while many people don't like to write, the ability to communicate ideas in writing is an absolute necessity in the business world. From memos to e-mails to white papers, as you make your way up the corporate ladder, writing becomes an increasingly large and important part of your job.

If your writing skills have been found lacking... If you have trouble deciding between 'affect' and 'effect', where to place that comma, or how to structure an argument to best achieve your purpose, look no further than Business Writing Basics.

This course is designed as a one-stop guide to professional writing that will introduce you to the key elements of effective written communication. As you progress through the eight lessons in this course, you will learn what makes good and bad writing, how to craft an understandable message, the basics of grammar and punctuation, how to draft a perfect e-mail, and much more!

With no physical classes to attend and no additional materials to buy, this course is ideal for the busy professional looking to grow his or her career!

So, whether you are an administrative assistant, manager, executive, or CEO, enroll today and take your career to the next level!

The ability to communicate effectively in writing can make or break your career. Fair or unfair, your co-workers, employers, and clients will make judgments about your intellect and professionalism based on your writing. Few things can destroy a business professional's or a company's reputation like poorly written communications can. On the other hand, clear, concise, and well-written communications can enhance your and your company's professional image.

Since the stakes are so high, can you afford to leave your writing skills to chance? Can you afford to jeopardize your career and reputation?

Of course not! The good news is there are simple steps you can take to improve your writing skills. This course is designed to meet the needs of the busy professional. With a flexible schedule and no additional materials to buy, you don't have to invest a lot of time and money to develop skills that may save your career. Can you afford not to?

Improving your writing skills will open doors to new and exciting opportunities. If you are looking for a way to score that big promotion or land a new job, using the writing skills you will learn in this course is a step in the right direction.

There is no time to waste! Enrollment is always open, so sign up today. Your career is waiting!

Areas of Study

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(4,663 votes)

Lesson 1. Effective Writing as a Catalyst for Success

Business communication requires a strategic balance of content and presentation, guided by principles like the Seven Cs, ensuring each message conveys competence and coherence. By prioritizing clarity, conciseness, and correctness, professionals build trust, enhance productivity, and foster meaningful connections. 13 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-WorkSheet-18715.pdf
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Crafting Words That Matter: The Essentials of Business Communication

Clear organization of ideas in business writing is crucial once the audience is defined, enabling clarity and professionalism. Drafting an outline focused on your writing's purpose prevents unfocused content, ensuring coherence and logical progression. 19 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-HomeWork-18716.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Mastering Business Communication: Presenting Ideas with Precision

Translating information into bite-sized units, and using storytelling techniques harness the power of narratives to make business documents engaging and memorable. Crafting documents with updated data, audience awareness, and strong conclusions ensures the message remains relevant and inspires change. 22 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-StudyGuide-18718.pdf
Complete: Lesson 3 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Crafting Impactful Business Communications Through Writing Mastery

Harnessing the power of meticulous writing can elevate your professional communications, emphasizing the criticality of spelling and punctuation in maintaining clarity and credibility. Over-reliance on spell-checkers highlights the need for human intuition in detecting contextual errors that technology often overlooks. 94 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-HomeWork-18721.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam: Verbs
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam: Spelling
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam: Periods
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam: Punctuation 1
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam: Punctuation 2

Lesson 5. Tone in Business Writing: Conveying Intent with Precision

Effective business communication relies on understanding the audience and crafting a tone that aligns with the intent and desired outcome. Through mindful language choices, writers can transcend the lack of nonverbal cues to create impactful and persuasive exchanges. 19 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz
Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. The Art of Respectful Corporate Dialogue

Effective business communication goes beyond clarity and precision to embrace inclusivity, ensuring sensitivity to diversity in a multicultural workforce. By using gender-neutral and culturally aware language, businesses foster an environment where all individuals feel respected and valued. 28 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-WorkSheet-18724.pdf
Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. The Art and Science of Business Writing for Special Purposes

Business writing is a multifaceted tool that goes beyond delivering information to fostering relationships and emotions. Its varied styles and formats, from Block to Semi-Block, accommodate diverse professional purposes, ensuring clarity and impact in communication. 20 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-Activity-18727.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 7 Quiz
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Communicating with Impact: Elevate Your Business Letters

Writing business letters serves beyond mere information exchange, fostering connections through empathy and respect. Crafting messages that emphasize the recipient's benefits can transform professional interactions into lasting relationships. 29 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-Downloadable-18729.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Strategic Memo-Making for Effective Workplace Communication

Business memorandums persist as foundational communication tools, vital for maintaining clarity amidst evolving technological platforms. Structured uniformly, they encapsulate corporate messages with precision, clarity, and adaptability, resonating with evolving business landscapes. 27 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-Activity-18731.pdf
Complete: Lesson 9 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Connecting Through Words: The Business Note Guide

Handwritten or typed personal business notes reintroduce sincerity and warmth into professional interactions overshadowed by digital communication. These notes acknowledge occasions that merit personal attention, transforming routine professional gestures into meaningful connections. 29 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-HomeWork-18733.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. E-Mail Excellence: Bridging Communication Gaps with Precision

Adapting e-mails to the reader's preferences demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect, which can improve communication outcomes. By carefully considering format consistency, politeness markers, and avoiding all caps, the sender ensures their message is received positively and professionally. 34 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-Activity-18735.pdf
Complete: Lesson 11 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 11 Quiz
Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam Addition
Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. The Power and Permanence of Business Emails

Understanding cultural nuances in email etiquette can bridge diverse global workforces, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect. By navigating these differences, professionals can enhance the effectiveness of their communication in an interconnected world. 27 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-WorkSheet-18736.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. Enhancing Career Prospects through a Polished Resume

Proofreading and personalization are the finishing touches that elevate a resume from good to exceptional, reinforcing professionalism and clarity. By using reviewing tools and second opinions, you ensure grammatical precision, while personalized design choices bolster your personal brand. 21 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-Downloadable-18738.pdf
Complete: Lesson 13 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Creating Impactful Cover Letters in the Digital Age

The application letter is a pivotal document that introduces you to potential employers through a compelling personal narrative. Emphasizing achievements, specificity, and personalization enriches the reader's understanding of your fit for the role. 28 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-StudyGuide-18741.pdf
Complete: Lesson 14 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

Lesson 15. The Writing Process Unveiled: Refinement Through Editing

Mastering proofreading and editing empowers individuals by enhancing the quality of their writing and reflecting their commitment to excellence. Through continuous learning, regular feedback, and consistent practice, writers can nurture their skills and achieve mastery. 26 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-WorkSheet-18743.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 15 Review Exam

Lesson 16. Language Evolution: Split Infinitives, Prepositions, and Conjunctions

The lesson explores how mastering effective writing requires a grasp of key grammatical conventions while adapting to language evolution. It covers the modern perspectives on split infinitives, preposition placement, and starting sentences with conjunctions, emphasizing clarity and intent. 30 Total Points

Lesson 16 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-16-StudyGuide-18745.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 16 Review Exam

Lesson 17. Beyond Grammar: The Symphony of Effective Writing

The writing process is a structured roadmap essential for producing clear and impactful documents, beginning with gathering information and logically organizing thoughts. Drafting, followed by careful editing and proofreading, transforms raw ideas into polished works ready to communicate effectively. 22 Total Points

Lesson 17 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-17-Activity-18748.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 17 Review Exam

Lesson 18. Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Punctuation

Apostrophes signify ownership, condensation, and clarity in writing while hyphens link related words, ensuring precision. As we explore capitalization rules and the role of punctuation in cognitive engagement, we fortify the foundation of effective communication. 27 Total Points

Lesson 18 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-18-Downloadable-18750.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 18 Review Exam

Lesson 19. The Art and Essentials of Business Writing

In the digital age, being equipped with the right writing tools can turn complex business communications into straightforward, impactful messages. Embrace online writing workshops and grammar tools to ensure your communication is not just effective but exemplary. 31 Total Points

Lesson 19 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-19-StudyGuide-18752.pdf
Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
Complete: Lesson 19 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 19 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 19 Review Exam

546

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Identify and apply the Seven Cs of Business Communication to enhance clarity, conciseness, and correctness in corporate documents and correspondence.
Recognize the impact of poor business writing on professional relationships and project outcomes by analyzing scenarios that highlight common pitfalls.
Demonstrate structured and persuasive writing techniques to craft clear, actionable business messages that motivate desired outcomes.
Identify the target audience and tailor business communication to effectively address their specific needs and preferences.
Define the purpose and structure of a business document to ensure clarity and reader engagement.
Organize business document content using visual elements and structured layouts for enhanced comprehension and reader retention.
Demonstrate effective proofreading strategies by manually identifying and correcting common spelling and punctuation errors in a business communication document.
Identify and apply appropriate punctuation rules, including the use of commas, colons, semicolons, and dashes, to enhance the clarity and coherence of written business communications.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze different business communication scenarios and select the appropriate tone based on the purpose and audience
Describe strategies for crafting messages with positive and empathetic tone, ready to motivate and engage recipients in professional settings
Demonstrate the ability to identify and replace culturally insensitive terms with respectful alternatives, enhancing the inclusivity of business communications.
Recognize instances of gender-biased language and reformulate them into gender-neutral equivalents within given business communication scenarios.
Recognize diverse types of business letters and explain their specific purposes, ensuring alignment with professional standards and expectations.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

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Course Title: Business Writing

Course Number: 57700117

Lessons Rating: 4.28 / 5 Stars (4,663 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Availability: With online access available nationwide, this course reaches all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Additionally, it’s open to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Last Updated: February 2024

CEU Value: 1.1 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher for successful completion.

Course Type: Self-Paced

Assessment Method: Lesson review exams

Instructional Team: Dana Kristan

Student Testimonials

"I thought the course was very helpful in not just business, but personal and email writing that I use every day. I appreciate the samples in the lessons." -- Laura S.
"I think it was very helpful, I learned a lot on business writing that I didn't know before I took this course." -- Januari O.
"I did find the course a helpful refresher. It was quite thorough and included many examples. It would be good for new college hires to review." -- Nina F.
"This was really helpful. I know enough about writing and grammar to get by but I haven't had any real experiences with business-focused writing until this class. Thank you." -- Lisa L.
"I have found this business writing course to be extremely helpful. Last week, my supervisor already noticed an improvement in my memos!" -- Joanne M.
"This course was very helpful and I learned a lot, I'm very thankful." -- Edward J.
"I really enjoyed this course. I feel more confident with my business writing." -- Tracey B.
"This course was very helpful. I think it has the right amount of information." -- Joli P.
"What was most helpful was the assignments graded by the instructor, it is the most detailed in all the classes I was taking. Good job." -- Wei W.
"The instructor was excellent and very knowledgeable. This was a review of everything that I took in college. Sometimes you become too relaxed with your writing and this course made me realize this." -- Dorothy D.