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Description

Written Summarising: Selecting Information, Structuring and Writing to the Point

Produce a summary note that the reader reads in full and that enables them to decide

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

Summary notes are often written as a linear digest of the source documents. The reader scans for what concerns them, jumps to the final paragraph in search of a conclusion, then ends up asking verbally for what the note should have said from the outset.

Two days to work on the complete chain: selective reading of sources, filtering against the brief, building the outline, writing in short sentences and laying out the page so that it guides the eye. Each participant produces a complete note that is reviewed and annotated during the programme.

Learning objectives

  • Analyse the brief to determine what the note must deliver
  • Select and discard information from multiple sources
  • Build an outline that places the conclusion first
  • Write short sentences and single-idea paragraphs
  • Lay out a note so that it can be read quickly

What makes this programme different

Production of a complete note, reviewed and annotated over the two days
Work based on lengthy and partially contradictory source files
Peer review between participants using a grid that adopts the reader's point of view

Programme

1Understanding the brief and the sources

Writing for someone who has to decide

  • Analysing the request and the level of decision expected
  • Selective reading and rapid navigation through a file
  • Note-taking and classification of information
  • Handling contradictory or incomplete sources

2Selecting and prioritising

What you choose not to write

  • Selection criteria based on the reader
  • Distinguishing facts, analysis and recommendations
  • Grouping information by idea
  • Handling figures and citing sources

3Building the outline and writing

One idea per paragraph

  • An outline that begins with the conclusion
  • Informative headings and opening sentences for each paragraph
  • Short sentences, active voice and removal of heavy constructions
  • Neutral wording for disagreements and reservations

4Laying out and reviewing

Making reading quick

  • Headings, subheadings and visual markers
  • Boxes, tables and appendices
  • Three-pass review: content, structure and form
  • Adapting the format to the organisation's conventions

Who is it for

Managers, analysts, project managers and executive assistants who write notes, minutes or decision papers

Prerequisites

Command of the fundamentals of professional business writing in English

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.