The Professional Development InstituteTM
Harvard University Global System
Harvard® Planner Group

Hands-on Workshop and Practical Seminar
Professional Skills for Writing in Clear, Concise and Impactful Business English
Applying Harvard University Global System™ Tools

For Executive Assistants, Administrative Professionals, Team Leaders,
Engineers, Analysts and Managers Who Wish a Review

Focus on Effective Written-Communications Skills
Including the Building Blocks of English (Proofreading, Spelling, Punctuation),
Difficult Expressions and Styles Commonly Used in Business
and Guidance in Crafting e-Mails and Letters


“The power of language is undeniable, and irresistible. In no small part, changes that fundamentally shape the world we live in today resulted from leaders for whom language itself was a form of action. Those who inspire others to abandon the innate human resistance to change and risk a better future so often share an important common trait: a gift for language, and a capacity to compel others through the power of the spoken word. A leader must inspire others to believe in possibility in order to be able to motivate them to follow and to act.”

Excerpts from Harvard University's President Drew Faust’s Speech to the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY; March 24, 2016.


Workshop Objectives

Crafting email, reports and daily correspondence with clarity, coherence and impact is vital for all employees. That is why good writers are sought everywhere, but they are not easy to find. Not many people are in complete control of their written communications; not everyone is able to write a message so that they convey exactly what they mean and achieve their intended effect on their readers.

As a participant, you will practice with unique exercises designed to reinforce learning and improve your written communication skills. You can expect to acquire lasting skills and increased proficiency in business correspondence, the cornerstone of corporate productivity and personal success.

Who should attend: Managers, team leaders, executive and administrative assistants, proofreaders, engineers, IT analysts and other professionals who would benefit from a refresher course in the building blocks of English (proofreading, spelling, punctuation); a review of difficult expressions and styles commonly used in business; instruction that will result in concise, readable English; guidance in crafting more effective letters and memos.


Detailed Outline (2.5 days - 2 CEU)

1. Mechanics and Grammar

  • Sentences:
    what different kinds of sentence can we write?
    How do our sentences either clarify or obscure our message?
    How can we craft sentences that build suspense, lead to a climax, present information clearly, and give readers a clear picture of our meaning?
  • Punctuation:
    what are the rules for commas, semi-colons, colons, apostrophes?
    Do the rules make sense, and are we able to use the rules properly to maximize our readers' understanding of our message?
  • Grammar:
    what is a modifier, and how can it be manipulated in a sentence to add emphasis?
    How do we use pronouns correctly, and how to we make sure that they are always clear?
    What does 'parallelism' mean, and how can it help our writing?
  • Spelling:
    what are some tricks we can use to ensure that our spelling is correct the first time?

2. Crafting a Message Part One: What am I saying?

  • How do I know what I want to say?
  • How do I know what the reader wants to know?
  • What do I need to say or not say? How do I organize these thoughts?
  • Is one idea a digression or an essential part of my message?
  • How do I eliminate digressions and focus on the essentials?

3. Crafting a Message Part Two: How am I saying it?

  • What strategies can I employ to make sure that I am going to get the response I want from my readers?
  • How can I make my readers understand me at their ease?
  • What are the qualities of good writing, and how do I balance them?
  • What are rhetorical strategies, and how can I use them?
  • Can I recognize features of good writing in what I read?
  • How do I evaluate my own tone and make sure it is suitable and appropriate in all occasions?
In this workshop, we will consider various forms of formal and informal writing. Our final goal is to take responsibility for our ideas in words, and we will work on developing the confidence to do so.


Tuition Fees, Duration and CEU Value
  • Duration: 2.5 days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. day 1 and 2, from 8:30 a.m. to noon day 3
  • Value in Continuing Education Units: 2 CEU
  • Tuition Fees
    • Fees include books, hand-outs, road maps and other course materials of exceptional value (see above), a daily continental breakfast, a light luncheon plus hot and soft drinks twice a day.
    • Regular fees: $1395; government: $1345; group fees for 3 or more delegates registering for the same session at the same time: $1295 per participant. Add taxes for non tax-exempted participants
    • Complete 5-day Program: $2495; government: $2445; groups for 3 or more participants: $2395 per participant. Add taxes for non tax-exempted participants.

Workshop Locations and Hotel Accomodation

Registration and Cancellation Procedures

To register, please contact us either by:
  • email at rsvp@eharvard.org. Specify your name, position, organization, phone number(s) and the webinar you wish to attend.
    or
  • call us toll free in the USA and Canada: 1-800-HARVARD; international: +1 819-772-7777. voicemail: 24/7.
Please pay in advance by credit card.

Cancellation Policy
Participants registering as a group must send substitutes in lieu of canceling. For other clients, cancellations are accepted if made at least 10 working days prior to the course, and are subject to a $150 service charge per person. Full fees are payable by anyone who fails to attend or cancels less than 10 working days prior to the session. One substitution or transfer to a later course of the same duration is accepted.

Bring This Program to Your Organization

We deliver private versions of this program worldwide, online, at the client's site and in tailor-made hybrid variants, to business and governments, NGOs and bar associations and other societies. We would be delighted to work together with your team anywhere. Ask us for a proposal based on the number of participants, the seminar duration, and a selection of cutting-edge course materials and case studies, most applicable to your specific environment.

Our fees are reasonable. Sales and value-added taxes (HST and PST or VAT) are extra.

The client is responsible for the conference room and audio-visual materials.




International 
The Professional Development Institute® PDI Inc.
Toll-free: USA and Canada: 1-800-HARVARD (1-800-427-8273). +1-819-772-7777
Monday through Thursday: 9 AM to 4:00 PM, EDT. Voicemail: 24 hours 7 days
Worldwide Order Center & Main Training Campus
70 Technology Boulevard, Gatineau, QC J8Z 3H8 CANADA. 
Note: We are near Gatineau Federal Park, across the river from Ottawa, Canada's capital.