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Writing skills: the essentials

Course summary

How do I get straight to the point, without waffling? When should I use capitals? Can you put a comma before 'and'? Is it 'I' or 'me' or 'myself'? Their or there? Its or it's?

If you are unsure about the basic rules of writing, or missed out on them altogether at school, this one-day writing course is for you. It will clear up all those questions, plus any others you may have about grammar and punctuation. It will show you a few simple techniques that will make your documents both easier to write and better to read. And it will increase your confidence in your own ability to write clearly, correctly and effectively.

Course dates and location

All our training courses are being delivered virtually. The webinar systems used do not require software download.

Please note: we allow a maximum of three people per organisation on our Individual training courses.

Our next available course dates for individuals are:

  • 27 June, 2024

We can deliver this course virtually for your organisation, on a date and time that suits you. If you have four or more people who would like to attend this course then group training could be the most cost-effective option. Contact one of our Training Coordinators on 020 7490 3030 or email for more information and a quote.

  • Course outline

    Over the day you will cover:

    • the principles of good writing at work
    • clarifying your aims
    • planning and structuring your work
    • an introduction to basic grammar and sentence construction
    • keeping it simple: writing in plain English
    • avoiding waffle and other obstacles for the reader
    • common myths and mistakes
    • commas, apostrophes and other punctuation pitfalls
    • confusing words and usages
    • capitals, numbers and other style points
    • making your writing look good
    • checking and proofreading
    • a personal action plan
    • a year of free support


    We will use a combination of demonstration, discussion and practical group exercises to help you write clear, well-structured English, and improve your general business-writing skills. The course also includes a year of free support from your trainer, and is as an excellent preparation for any further writing courses you may wish to take.

    All our training courses are delivered virtually. The webinar systems used do not require software download.

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  • Who is this course for?

    This course is for anyone in the public, private, corporate or voluntary sector who would like to refresh their basic writing skills, get to grips with grammar and punctuation, understand how avoid common mistakes, and learn to write with confidence.

  • What will this course help me do: learning outcomes?

    Writing skills: the basics will help you write more clearly and concisely, and get the action you want. You will understand the principles of good written communication and how to put them into practice. You will be able to plan and structure any document by using the appropriate techniques. You will know how to avoid making embarrassing mistakes in grammar and punctuation, and what resources to use to build your skills over time. And you will gradually take less time over your writing, and enjoy it a great deal more.

  • Other courses to consider

    The Centre also offers a wide programme of other writing courses, including Minutes; Proofreading and Assertiveness skills.

  • Course fee
    • £469 plus VAT not-for-profit price (applies to charities and all other not-for-profit organisations, including public sector and housing)
    • £522 plus VAT standard price (applies to all other organisations)

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