Betterbusinesswriting Course

Learn the skills, tips and tricks of persuasive writing and great content writing from a professional speechwriter

Last updated 2022-01-10 | 4.6

- How to write clear
- concise and persuasive words that will achieve your objectives
- The tricks I use to be a productive writer
- to enter a state of flow and never suffer from writer’s block
- The Big Questions you need to ask before you put pen to paper

What you'll learn

How to write clear

concise and persuasive words that will achieve your objectives

The tricks I use to be a productive writer

to enter a state of flow and never suffer from writer’s block

The Big Questions you need to ask before you put pen to paper

How being a persuasive writer will help you achieve your objectives at work

The ancient secrets of persuasive writing

Why being a good writer is vital to the success of your career or your business

How to polish your words with powerful editing techniques

How to test your work to make sure it does what you want it to

How to structure your work for maximum impact

* Requirements

* A basic understanding of the English language
* A pen and notebook
* A desire to put these lessons into practice

Description

*** Fully re-recorded and updated for 2021 ***

*** Free 32-page book with exercises and printable resources ***

***Fully accurate subtitles***

This course will teach you how to use the power of words to change the way people think, feel and act. Writing well is a vital part of any successful career or business. If you want to thrive at work you need to thrive at writing. By the end of this course, you will have developed writing skills that will propel your career to the next level.

5 STAR REVIEW - “This is such an amazing well structured, clear/concise course with immense value for anyone who needs to write articles and content of any nature.” A.P.

My name is Mark Morris. I’m an award-winning professional speechwriter with more than fifteen years of experience writing for senior politicians in the United Kingdom and internationally – including for two former Prime Ministers. During my career I’ve written thousands of speeches to audiences across Europe and North America.

I’ve written countless debates in the British Parliament. I’ve written articles for newspapers including The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, La Repubblica, El Pais, The Times and Die Welt. I’ve also written for magazines including Wired and Newsweek. I even had the honour of writing an historic and award-winning speech to a joint meeting of the United States Congress. In this course, I’ll give you the full benefit of my years of experience and expertise to set you on the path to writing success.

5 STAR REVIEW - “I really enjoyed the course. Each lesson was interesting and full of examples. Mark is a real specialist in his field and it's clear that he is passionate about his work. You are not only listening to empty words but learning from someone's experience - which for me is the best way. Even now, writing this review, I am trying to implement what I have learnt - which is a good proof of this course being a 5 stars one.” A.A.

This is not a technical course full of complex grammar. It focusses on the timeless principles that you can use to produce clear, powerful, persuasive writing.

The course starts by looking at what good writing is and at the evidence as to why writing well is so important. The course is then divided into three main sections: before you write (planning), while you write (writing), and after you write (editing).

Part One: Planning: In this section, I’ll show you what you need to do before you put pen to paper. We’ll ask the big questions you need to answer for everything you write:

What is your objective? If you don’t know what you want, you’re unlikely to get it.
Who is your reader? Only by understanding your reader and consciously writing for them can you achieve your objectives.
What is your voice? Who or what do your words represent? Yourself, your boss, your company? Only by having a clear and consistent voice can you achieve your objectives.

I’ll then show you how to plan and structure your work to lead your reader from where they are to where you want them to be.

5 STAR REVIEW - “Loved this course! Mark gives you what you need to write in clear English. He goes directly to the point with his ideas, examples, and summaries. After doing this course, I started to see that my writing has improved. My sentences are shorter, cleaner, and more direct. I can't wait to continue to practice all learned in the course. Here's fresh news! Mark remastered the videos recently. Now, it's much more pleasant to watch and to listen. Go for it that you won't regret.” B.B.

Part Two: Writing: In this second section, I’ll guide you through the building blocks of writing: words, sentences, paragraphs and the whole piece. I’ll show you how to choose the right words and put them in the best order so you can achieve your objectives.

In this section you’ll learn techniques both ancient and modern that will turn your words into a powerful engine for achieving your goals. We’ll look at the logic and emotion of your words and at establishing credibility with your reader. I’ll also take you through many of the most common mistakes that people make in their writing, and how to avoid them.

5 STAR REVIEW - “I loved the way he explained things, simple yet profound. Easy to understand; he lives up to his words. Highly recommended. Thank you so much.” B

Part Three: Editing: In this section you’ll learn the vital art of editing. I’ll show you how to sharpen and smooth your first draft into something you can be truly proud of. I’ll show you how to test your words to see if they are clear, understandable and – most important - achieve your objectives.

5 STAR REVIEW - “I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It was fully comprehensive and packed with valuable tips to improve any type of writing. The tutor obviously had a lot of writing experience and didn’t hold back in sharing his knowledge. I liked the way he explained how to deal with writer’s block as it sounds very effective. I’ll definitely use it the next time my head feels empty.” S.M.

Finally, I’ll share some of the techniques I use to be a productive and successful writer. I’ll show you how you can enter a ‘State of Flow’, where excellent writing comes easily, and how you can avoid ever suffering from writer’s block.

In each section, I’ll take you step-by-step through the techniques, tricks and habits that can transform your writing.

If you want to promote your business, excel in your career, and feel proud of your writing, Better Business Writing is the course for you.

So join tens of thousands of people already improving their writing skills and enroll now!

Who this course is for:

This course is for everyone who writes at work. Whether you write emails, reports, blogs, marketing copy, articles or speeches, this course is for you.
While this course is not designed for fiction writers, many of the principles covered have been used by successful authors for centuries to write beautiful, engaging, dramatic text.

Course content

8 sections • 69 lectures

Introduction 8 lectures

Introduction to Better Business Writing Preview 05:07

Why writing well is so important
A little about me and my story as a professional writer
An overview of the course

Exercises and Resources Preview 00:11

Exercise and resource pack.

What is Clear English and why it's essential for effective communication. Preview 07:38

Good writing is about one thing: getting things done! It's not about dumbing down, it's not a total ban on all jargon and technical language, and it's certainly not just for 'comms people'. Writing well is for everyone!

An Important Message Preview 01:16

A quick word on Udemy reviews.

The Evidence for using Clear English. Preview 03:24

The importance of good writing isn't just my opinion, it's fact! Here we look at the evidence.

Literacy Levels Preview 05:19

Understanding a person's or a groups' ability to read the words you write will determin how successful you will be. You may be surprised at what general literacy levels really are!

Section Review Preview 01:35

Summary of what you've learned:

why clear writing is so important
the myths verses the reality
the evidence that says you should improve your writing skills
the importance of understanding literacy levels

Introduction Quiz

Let's test your knowledge of the introduction to Better Business Writing.

PART ONE: Before You Write 8 lectures

Part One Summary Preview 02:44

In this part your will learn the Big Questions to ask before you write, and how to set your ideas from your head and on to the screen.

Before you start writing you need to think about:

your objectives
your reader
your voice

Before you write, think about... your objective Preview 07:13

If you don't know why you're writing something, why are you doing it? Be clear about your objectives.

Exercise: Setting Your Objectives Preview 00:07

Before you write, think about... your reader Preview 09:05

Understanding your reader will determine the success of failure of your words.

Exercise: Identify Your Reader Preview 00:13

Before you write, think about... your voice Preview 06:18

Who you represent (yourself, a colleague, your company) must determine the style and content of your writing.

Exercise: Identify Your Voice Preview 00:14

Before you write

Let's see how you got on with this section on what to do before you write.

Structure 6 lectures

Structure: Summary Preview 01:11

In this section you'll learn some ways to get your ideas down on paper and to structure those ideas to best achieve your objectives.

Get Your Ideas Out - Brainstorm ideas for writing you document Preview 04:06

Learn three techniques to get your ideas out of your head and onto paper or screen.

Could, Should & Must - the best way to priorities your information when writing Preview 05:58

My favourite way of sorting good ideas from bad, and focusing on what you really need to achieve your objectives.

Structure: Exercise Preview 01:57

Put into practice what you've learned so far in this section.

Part One Review Preview 04:01

Review what you've learned in Part One: Before You Write.

Structure

PART TWO: Writing 8 lectures

Part Two Summary Preview 01:36

In Part Two you'll learn about the building blocks of writing and some ancient techniques to make your words powerful and compelling.

Building Blocks of Writing: Words Preview 05:18

How to choose the right words to best achieve your objectives.

Building Blocks of Writing: Sentences - 1 Preview 06:59

Why are some sentences bad, and how to correct them - 1

Building Blocks of Writing: Sentences - Padding Preview 04:21

Why are some sentences bad, and how to correct them - 2

Building Blocks of Writing: Paragraphs Preview 04:44

How to use paragraphs to make your writing easier to understand and more likely to achieve your objectives.

Building Blocks of Writing: The Whole Thing Preview 01:51

Don't get bogged down in the detail. Does the whole document actually work?

Building Blocks of Writing: Review Preview 01:49

In this section you learned how words, sentences, paragraphs and the whole thing can be put to work to achieve your objectives.

The Building Blocks of Writing

Principles of Great Writing 3 lectures

Principles of Great Writing: Logos - The Logical Argument Preview 02:42

Why a logical argument is essential to persuasive writing.

Principles of Great Writing: Pathos - The Emotional Connection Preview 06:28

Logic by itself is not enough, you need to make an emotional connection with your reader. Here's how.

Principles of Great Writing: Ethos - Your Credibility Preview 04:07

Why should your reader listen to you? How to give your words credibility.

Being Direct 10 lectures

Being Direct Preview 01:07

Learn how using the active voice, verbs and taking responsibility can transform your work.

The Active Voice - essential for effective writing Preview 04:25

Learn what the 'Active Voice' is and how it can help you transform your work.

The Passive Voice Preview 03:08

While you should usually use the Active Voice, the Passive Voice can come in handy too. Here's when to use the Passive Voice.

Verbs, Not Nouns - essential for excellent communication Preview 03:38

Learn the power of using verbs instead of nouns.

Taking Responsibility - earn trust through your writing Preview 03:36

Readers don't trust people who don't take responsibility for their actions. Take responsibility! This is a difficult lesson, but an important one.

Keeping it real - the importance of authentic writing Preview 05:27

Remember that you're writing to human beings. Don't lose your readers with abstract words and ideas.

Ambiguity - the importance of clear writing Preview 03:54

Don't confuse your reader by being ambiguous. Say clearly what you mean to say.

Being Inclusive - how to avoid alienating your reader Preview 06:20

We'll look at the 'Curse of Knowledge' and why you should never assume that your reader knows what you know.

Management Speak & Cliché Preview 03:13

Don't rely on stock phrases. If you've heard it before, write something new or lose your reader.

Part Two Review Preview 02:45

In Part Two, we've learned:

the importance of combining a logical argument with an emotional connection and a credible writer
why you should always be direct, using the Active Voice and verbs and by taking responsibility
why you should ground your work in people's everyday experience
that you should be clear, inclusive and never rely on cliché

PART THREE: After You Write 16 lectures

Part Three Summary Preview 05:06

Once you have your first draft, the work has just begun. Good writing comes in the edit.

Editing - Objective Testing Preview 03:30

Does what you've written achieve your objectives? If not, there's still work to do.

Editing For Brevity Preview 03:11

Make sure you get to the point. Fast!

Exercise: Editing for brevity Preview 00:07

Text that is too long is often not read, meaning it cannot help you fulfill your objectives. In this exercise, you will practice dramatically shortening some text.

Editing For Clarity Preview 02:47

If your reader isn't clear what you want, you've wasted their time and yours.

Editing - Attention Grabbing Preview 03:28

You only have a few seconds to grab a reader's attention. Do you?

Exercise: Simplify these sentences Preview 00:13

Editing - Due Diligence Preview 03:25

Make sure you avoid sloppy errors. Believe me, we can all make mistakes!

Editing - Check your words Preview 05:06

Don't get caught out by spelling mistakes.

Editing - Proof Reading Preview 02:23

A fresh pair of eyes is a wonderful thing, but only for the Big Things.

Exercise: Proof Reading Preview 00:08

Editing - Read Aloud Preview 03:28

The most powerful thing you can do to check your own work.

Editing - Hard Data Preview 03:29

Two websites that will give you a clear picture of the readability of your work.

Editing Check List Preview 00:06

Wise words from George Orwell Preview 00:19

Part Three Summary Preview 02:06

We've seen how editing is vital for great writing. We've looked at:

checking what you've written achieves your objectives
editing for brevity and clarity
grabbing your readers attention
checking your words through proof reading and reading them aloud
two websites that can give you some numbers and a helping hand

Final Thoughts 10 lectures

The Practice of Writing: Summary Preview 00:49

In this section I share the things I do to be a productive writer.

Timing - write when you're at your most productive Preview 03:14

Understanding your own natural rhythms can increase your productivity.

Environment - where you write has a big impact on the quality of your writing Preview 03:55

Making the most of where you write can make a big difference.

A State of Flow - how to get the writing magic to happen Preview 10:08

What is a State of Flow and how to get into one.

Writer's Block - never suffer again Preview 04:12

How I make sure I never suffer from writer's block.

Section Review Preview 00:55

In this section I've shared with you:

how I focus on my most important tasks during my periods of peak productivity
how I make the most of my working environment
how I can get into a state of flow
and how I avoid writer's block.

Course Overview Preview 03:02

Congratulations! You've finished the course. Let's look back at everything you've learned.