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Description

Business Writing: Getting to the Point, Structuring Your Message and Prompting Action

Write messages that are read to the end and acted upon rather than filed without a reply

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

A work message is often read quickly and only half-read. The request is buried in the third paragraph, the subject line announces nothing, the reader postpones reading it and never replies. The writer follows up, adds context, and the message grows longer still. The wasted time spreads along the whole chain.

Two days to write starting from the reader and the action expected, to structure a short message, to choose the right tone even on a sensitive subject and to proofread efficiently. The exercises are based on participants' own documents: emails, notes, minutes and escalation requests.

Learning objectives

  • Identify the reader and the action expected before writing
  • Structure a message by placing the request in the opening lines
  • Write an email subject line that states the content and the deadline
  • Adjust the tone on a sensitive message or a refusal
  • Review your text to remove anything that does not serve the reader

What makes this programme different

Rewriting your own emails with a before-and-after comparison
A thirty-second reading test carried out by another participant
A personal proofreading checklist built during the programme

Programme

1Writing to Be Read

The reader comes first

  • What a busy reader actually does when faced with a message
  • Defining the action expected before writing the first sentence
  • Choosing the right channel: email, call or short message
  • What makes a reader postpone reading a message

2Structuring the Message

Key points at the top

  • Email subject lines: stating the topic, the action and the deadline
  • Placing the request before the context
  • Breaking text into short paragraphs and useful lists
  • Length, attachments and recipients in copy

3Finding the Right Words

Clarity and tone

  • Short sentences, active voice and concrete verbs
  • Removing jargon and ready-made phrases
  • The tone of a refusal, a follow-up or bad news
  • Writing when you are annoyed: what to take out before sending

4Longer Documents

Notes, minutes and reasoned requests

  • Building a note that fits on one page
  • Writing minutes focused on decisions
  • Making the case in an escalation request
  • Proofreading quickly with a five-point checklist

Who is it for

Anyone who regularly produces emails, notes or meeting minutes in a professional setting

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge required

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.