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Full List of Courses
General Business Writing
Business Reports
Email, Memos, Letters
Grammar and Punctuation
Grammar and Writing Together
Writing for Nonnative Speakers
Proofreading and Editing
Training Writing Trainers
Tutoring and Coaching
Writing in Specialized Areas
Self-Study Courses
Writing Training Resources

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PowerPoints for Trainers

General Business Writing Training

Workshop Description

A set of highly effective PowerPoint slides for a business writing workshop is available for use by corporate trainers. The PowerPoint slides are accompanied by the Microsoft Word file of a student manual containing the essential training points and space for participants to take notes. The PowerPoint slides and workshop manual can be adjusted for a one-day or half-day workshop.

The workshop is based on the book, Explicit Business Writing: Best Practices for the Twenty-First Century. Participants receive a copy of the book for use in the workshop that they can use as a desk reference after the workshop. The PowerPoint slides and student manual reference the pages in the book being explained during the workshop.

Download Samples

Download samples of the PowerPoint slides and student manual at these links:

Sample PowerPoint Slides

Sample Student Workbook

Sample of the Book

Train Writing Trainers

In the Train the Trainers course, Dr. Robert Hogan, director of the Business Writing Center and author of the book used in the workshop will explain the contents and go through the PowerPoint presentation over the phone or using Skype. After the trainer performs the first workshop, Dr. Hogan will debrief with the trainer and answer any questions the trainer may have about the workshop. He will then be available for consultations for 30 days.

Costs and Purchasing

One-year license: $1,200

One-year license and registration in the Train the Trainer course: $1,500

Purchase at this link.

Workshop Content

Know Your Readers
  • Problems business readers routinely experience
  • Business writing in the twenty-first century
  • Know the limitations of the average reader.

Know Your Objectives
  • Accomplish your goals with the reader.

Organize for Maximum Clarity
  • Write in blocks readers can follow easily.
  • Plan your business writing.
  • Organize the Document.
  • Use styles and outline view in word.

Make Email Work for You
  • Manage your email.
  • Write clear subject lines.

Write to Have Maximum Impact
  • Write effective introductions.
  • Start with a smile and a handshake.
  • Mark blocks so readers can see them easily.
  • Create the blueprint for the document.
  • Write conclusions that achieve your goals.

Format to Improve Clarity
  • Identify lists and break them out.
  • Use tables to present information clearly.

Write Clear Paragraphs, Sentences, and Words
  • Use key terms consistently.
  • Use appropriate tone and formality for your reader and message.
  • Write clear, focused, well-organized paragraphs.
  • Write concisely.
  • Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences.

Eliminate Unclear Practices
  • Avoid passive sentences.
  • Use pronouns sparingly.
  • Use simple, clear, plain English.
  • Avoid abbreviations and acronyms.

Use Correct Grammar
  • Edit and proofread.

Report Writing Workshop

Workshop Description

The workshop in writing business reports is based on the training used in the College of Business at a major midwestern university. The PowerPoint presentation contains 102 slides with clear text, animations, and appealing graphics. The workshop will last from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the instructor's presentation.

Download a Sample

Download a sample of the PowerPoint slides at this link:

Sample PowerPoint Slides

Train Writing Trainers

In the Train the Trainers course, Dr. Robert Hogan, director of the Business Writing Center and author of the book used in the workshop will explain the contents and go through the PowerPoint presentation over the phone or using Skype. After the trainer performs the first workshop, Dr. Hogan will debrief with the trainer and answer any questions the trainer may have about the workshop. He will then be available for consultations for 30 days.

Costs and Purchasing

One-year license: $950

One-year license and registration in the Train the Trainer course: $1,250

Purchase the Writing Effective Workplace Email, Writing Clear Reports, and Writing Effective Letters PowerPoint presentations on a one-year license: $1,800

Purchase the Writing Effective Workplace Email, Writing Clear Reports, and Writing Effective Letters PowerPoint presentations on a one-year license with training for one trainer: $2,100

Purchase at this link.

Workshop Content

    Know Your Goals and Readers
  • What response do you want?
  • Know the readers.

    • Plan Strategies
  • What readability and difficulty level should you use?
  • Should the explanation be an overview or contain technical detail?
  • What level of formality should you use?
  • What tone should you use?

    • Decide What to Write
  • Write the central idea.
  • Write notes with points in levels.
  • Organize the points.

    • Write Effective Introductions
  • Write the context, background, and contents.
  • State critical points or actions at the beginning.
  • State the primary conclusions or recommendations.

    • Write the Report in Blocks
  • Break long blocks of text into smaller blocks.
  • Evaluate the organization of a report by using the same numbers for levels.
  • Use white space to mark the blocks.
  • Write a heading4 for most blocks using the key terms.

    • Use Correctly Formatted Lists
  • Break out all lists unless you have a good reason not to.
  • Introduce lists.
  • Format lists correctly.

    • Put Information into Tables
  • Use tables to present information clearly.
  • You may present the table without lines.

    • Use Key Terms for Clarity
  • Establish the key terms early.
  • Do not change key terms.
  • Use the key terms to guide the reader through the report.

    • Write Effective Conclusions
  • End by emphasizing the main points.
  • Explain how the main points satisfy the needs stated in the introduction.

    • Write Concisely
  • Delete deadwood, redundancies, and the obvious.

    • Write Clear Paragraphs, Sentences, and Words
  • Include a transition or topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph when you can.
  • Include only one idea in each paragraph.
  • Write simple, straightforward sentences.
  • Use active voice.
  • Make sure the reader understands every word in your document.

    • Edit and Proofread
  • Set your word processor to check spelling and grammar as you type.
  • Proofread every letter and space on the page, no matter where it falls.
  • Do not skip around in the report. Follow it from beginning to end.

Letter Writing Workshop

Workshop Description

The workshop in writing business letters teaches the skills successful business writers use today to create letters that are clear, well organized, and effective. The PowerPoint presentation contains 55 slides with clear text, animations, and appealing graphics. The workshop will last from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the instructor's presentation.

Download a Sample

Download a sample of the PowerPoint slides at this link:

Sample PowerPoint Slides

Train Writing Trainers

In the Train the Trainers course, Dr. Robert Hogan, director of the Business Writing Center and author of the book used in the workshop will explain the contents and go through the PowerPoint presentation over the phone or using Skype. After the trainer performs the first workshop, Dr. Hogan will debrief with the trainer and answer any questions the trainer may have about the workshop. He will then be available for consultations for 30 days.

Costs and Purchasing

One-year license: $950

One-year license and registration in the Train the Trainer course: $1,250

Purchase the Writing Effective Workplace Email, Writing Clear Reports, and Writing Effective Letters PowerPoint presentations on a one-year license: $1,800

Purchase the Writing Effective Workplace Email, Writing Clear Reports, and Writing Effective Letters PowerPoint presentations on a one-year license with training for one trainer: $2,100

Purchase at this link.

Workshop Content

    The Standard Letter Format
  • Standard format
  • Opening format
  • Closing format

    • A Letter Providing Information
  • Introduce yourself.
  • Explain why the reader is receiving this now and what is in the letter.
  • State conclusions or important information up front.
  • End cordially with contact information.
  • Make the blocks in the letter clear.
  • Write clear, short, easy-to-read sentences.
  • Write concisely.
  • Use simple vocabulary that you would use if you were speaking in person to the reader.

    • A Response Letter
  • Remind the reader about what he or she requested.
  • State the action at the beginning and the end, with a clear timeline.
  • Write the requester's questions or requests in bold.
  • Use the requester's key terms throughout the explanations.
  • End cordially with the next action and contact information.

    • A Letter to Inspire Commitment
  • Write each letter to an individual or mail merge.
  • Briefly state what has gone well in the past or is exciting now, with statistics and quotations if you have them.
  • State the specific action or goal. Make it doable.
  • Explain the rewards and benefits if the reader is involved.
  • End with inspiring words.
  • Provide contact information.

    • A Persuasive Letter
  • Engage the reader with the need the two of you share.
  • State the solution if the reader will accept it; if not, add benefits.
  • Anticipate objections or reservations and counter them.
  • Leave the reader with a positive vision for the outcomes.

    • A Bad News or Apology Letter
  • State the reason for this letter.
  • Begin with a buffer.
  • If warranted, state the problem requiring an apology and apologize.
  • Follow the apology positively.
  • State the problem requiring the bad news.
  • Write a commitment to take care of the problem.
  • Close with good will and invite a response or call.

Email Writing Workshop

Workshop Description

The workshop in writing effective business email is based on the best practices the Business Writing Center has identified that are critical to writing clear, well-organized, successful emails. The PowerPoint presentation contains 82 slides with clear text, animated changes, and appealing graphics. The workshop will last from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the instructor's presentation.

Download a Sample

Download a sample of the PowerPoint slides at this link:

Sample PowerPoint Slides

Train Writing Trainers

In the Train the Trainers course, Dr. Robert Hogan, director of the Business Writing Center and author of the book used in the workshop will explain the contents and go through the PowerPoint presentation over the phone or using Skype. After the trainer performs the first workshop, Dr. Hogan will debrief with the trainer and answer any questions the trainer may have about the workshop. He will then be available for consultations for 30 days.

Costs and Purchasing

One-year license: $950

One-year license and registration in the Train the Trainer course: $1,250

Purchase the Writing Effective Workplace Email, Writing Clear Reports, and Writing Effective Letters PowerPoint presentations on a one-year license: $1,800

Purchase the Writing Effective Workplace Email, Writing Clear Reports, and Writing Effective Letters PowerPoint presentations on a one-year license with training for one trainer: $2,100

Purchase at this link.

Workshop Content

    Email Basics
  • When do you write an email?
  • Use good email etiquette.
  • Manage your email.

    • Write Clear, Effective Openings
  • Write a subject line that communicates.
  • Open to prepare the reader.

    • Plan Your Emails
  • Stay in the planning mindset.
  • Decide the response you want.
  • Write notes.

    • Organize Your Email
  • Start with a cordial opening.
  • Explain why the reader is receiving this now.
  • State important points and actions at the beginning.
  • Divide the email into sections and open each with a name for the section.
  • Organize the blocks.
  • Break out all lists with bullets or numbers.

    • Write Clear Sentences and Words
  • Break out all lists with bullets or numbers.
  • Write simple, complete sentences with one or two ideas, averaging fewer than 15 words.
  • Use simple, plain words you would use if you were speaking to the reader.
  • Edit and proofread every email.

    • Use Tone and Formality that Fit the Reader
  • Use a tone that fits the relationship and message.
  • Don't use a patronizing or distant tone.
  • Choose a formality level that fits the relationship, reader, and message.
  • Don't use a formal style.
  • Don't use an informal style.
  • Use a business style in nearly all emails.

    • Response Emails

    Request Emails

    Emails Describing a Problem

    Persuasive Emails