Week 5: Written communication skills for the workplace

Introduction

Last week you were introduced to verbal communication and this week you will shift your focus to written communication, which can pose different challenges. The scope for misunderstanding is substantial, primarily because you are unable to see or hear how the message is being read.

Can you think about the last time you used written communication? How much time did you spend considering how the reader might interpret what you had written?

Written communication is everywhere: in adverts, in emails, newspapers, social media, text messages and the internet. Therefore, gaining a good grasp of written communication skills will help you in your work and other personal or professional environments.

You will start this week by exploring different forms of written communication.

Now watch the weekly video in which Lynne Johnson tells you about this week.

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Transcript: Video 1

LYNNE JOHNSON

This week, you'll be looking at the different forms of written communication that you're likely to use at work, exploring the key characteristics of effective language, and the importance of knowing your purpose and your audience. Every day, a huge number of emails are sent in the workplace. So you'll take a look at email etiquette and investigate some common errors.

Report writing is something that many people dread, but you don't need to at all. You'll focus on what to consider before writing a report and the importance of good proofreading afterwards. There'll be an opportunity to try out your proofing skills, too. Writing social media posts and job applications require very different approaches. And you'll learn how to adapt your writing skills to convey the right messages to your audience.

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By the end of this week, you should be able to:

• adapt your communication style for different audiences and formats
• write clear and effective communications, including emails and reports
• understand how to use your written communication skills to enhance job applications.