Business Writing: Reports, Proposals & Documents

Mục Lục

About this Course

Documents are the currency for exchanging ideas in all industries around the world. All companies — large and small — rely on reports, proposals, research papers and narratives to share ideas, articulate vision and strategy, communicate plans and lead change. Knowing how to write well is an essential skill for anyone who wants to excel in the workplace.

In this course, you’ll learn what constitutes good business writing and how to write effective documents that are clear and concise. We’ll explore various kinds of business documents and focus on the importance of structure and writing to different audiences. Drawing on reader science, you’ll learn how to write persuasively and make your documents intuitive and readable without simplifying your ideas to the point of losing pertinent details. You’ll also receive instruction and coaching on how to build and use rubrics and learn tools for effective editing.

DESIGNED FOR

Technical and nontechnical professionals in any field who want to advance their career using well-researched and well-written narratives, proposals and reports.

See Requirements

Admission Requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for this course, and anyone can enroll.

Time Commitment

Including time in class, you should expect to spend about seven to nine hours each week on coursework.

English Proficiency

If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.

International Students

International students are welcome to enroll in an online offering of this course, which doesn’t require a visa. To enroll in a classroom offering, you must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This course does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.

Technology Requirements

Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
Understanding of the basic functions of Zoom
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam (recommended)

Earning the Certificate

You earn the Certificate in Writing by completing the equivalent of three full-quarter courses — nine continuing education units (CEUs) — over two years or less. After you complete your final course, you can get your certificate by submitting a request form.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

How to choose the right structure and style for your document
How to design and organize content with your audience in mind
Best practices for clear, concise and effective writing and editing
Tips for when and when not to use visual elements such as analytics, graphics and white space to enhance readability
How to develop and identify voice and tone in your and your colleagues’ writing

GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Prepare detailed business documents with the help of colleagues in a writers room environment
Write business documents with a group under the same time constraints found in current business climates
Learn how professional writers create and edit documents with an eye toward accuracy under tight deadlines