Master Effective Business Writing Skills with Our Communication and Business Writing Courses

Edward Bulwer-Lytton famously said that the pen is mightier than the sword. If he were alive today, he’d marvel at the power of the keyboard—especially in the workplace. 

Our keyboards are the tools by which innovation happens. They’re our bridge to connection, collaboration, and creation. The written word helps us pitch ideas, strengthen relationships, and drive progress. 

But with great power comes great potential for damage. Poor writing costs businesses close to $400 billion (with a B) per year. That’s lost productivity, missed opportunities, and messages that fall flat instead of sparking action. 

So, while the keyboard is mightier than ever, its strength lies in how we use it. Clear, compelling, and purposeful writing isn’t just nice to have—it’s an essential skill. 

The problem? Too few people learn to write clearly. In a world of rushed emails, half-baked reports, and cluttered messages, writing well has become a rarity—and that’s exactly what makes it a competitive edge. When you can communicate clearly, you stand out, get heard, and drive results in ways others simply can’t. 

In this article, we will discuss how the business world has changed - especially in the last 5 years - and how you can improve your writing. Finally, we'll discuss how our courses can help you build this skill and align it with today's expectations.  

This article will cover: 

• Communication in the Workplace Has Changed – Have Your Business Writing Skills Kept Up? 
• How to Improve Your Writing and Communicate Effectively 
• Choosing a Business Writing Course 
• Upgrade Your Communication Skills with The Great Canadian Training & Consulting Company 

Communication in the Workplace Has Changed - Have Your Business Writing Skills Kept Up? 

When we first started our businesses, memos were the standard for formal communication and email was more of an informal tool for quick exchanges. Fast forward to today, and email has become the primary way to communicate with colleagues and other stakeholders.  

Memos were once essential for formal communication. However, they now have a reputation for being disciplinary or intimidating. Meanwhile, collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams have emerged as the new informal way to communicate, with 41.4% of workers using these tools regularly. 

But it's not just the tools we use that have changed—how we read has evolved, too. More people are reading online or on their phones instead of reading hard documents. Therefore, our messages need to be optimized for shorter attention spans and mobile screens. This shift requires a different approach to writing—one that's clear, to the point, and mindful of how your audience consumes information. 

So, have you kept up? Have your skills and practices evolved to match the new pace and expectations of today's communication? As more people read on their phones or through collaboration tools, effective business writing has never been more crucial in standing out, getting noticed, and driving results. 

How to Improve Your Writing and Communicate Effectively  

As workplace communication continues to evolve, this skill is essential to staying ahead. Here are five strategies to help you communicate more effectively: 

1. Embrace Clarity and Brevity: With shorter attention spans, especially on mobile devices, get to the point quickly. Avoid jargon and unnecessary words. Use simple, clear language to ensure your message is easy to understand. 
2. Understand Your Audience: Tailor your writing to suit the context and audience. Whether it’s a formal email to a client or a quick message in Microsoft Teams to your team, adjust your tone and style to resonate with your reader. 
3. Master the Art of Scannability: Most people scan emails and documents rather than reading them word for word. Use bullet points, subheadings, and short paragraphs to make your message easy to skim and ensure the key points stand out. 
4. Proofread and Edit: Effective writing isn’t just about conveying your message—it’s about presenting it clearly and professionally. We might use “proofread” and “edit” interchangeably, but they have different purposes: proofreading focuses on correcting surface-level errors, while editing refines the content for clarity and impact. Always take a second (or third) look at your work to catch typos, improper grammar, awkward phrasing, or areas that need to be revised.  
5. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Writing clearly and concisely takes practice, so make writing a regular part of your routine. The more you write, the more effective and confident you’ll become in your communication. 

By focusing on these key areas, you’ll be better equipped to communicate clearly and effectively in today’s fast-paced, mobile-driven workplace. Strong writing isn’t just a useful skill—it’s a competitive edge that helps you stand out.

Choosing a Business Writing Course   

When it comes to choosing a business communication course, it's not about getting a fancy certificate that you can brag about on your resume. It's about learning from instructors who are well-versed in how to communicate effectively in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world. 

The best courses focus on real-world application—teaching you practical skills that you can immediately apply. You want to learn how to write, craft compelling messages, and connect with your audience, whether you're communicating in a formal report or a quick team chat. 

At The Great Canadian Training & Consulting Company, we pride ourselves in providing corporate training that is practical and easily actionable. We are proud to offer five courses that cover a variety of effective communication techniques, from basic writing skills to understanding niche documents, such as government briefing notes.  

Business Writing That Works 

Designed For: 

Professionals in any business environment who need to communicate effectively through writing. 

Why You'll Benefit:  

In this newly updated course, you'll learn the importance of clear, concise, and courteous communication in the workplace. You’ll discover how to write and proofread emails to ensure they are complete, correct, and effective, while incorporating strategies to make your writing more efficient.  

The course will also cover the dos and don’ts, helping you avoid common pitfalls and improve your overall communication skills. We also show how you can use technology during the writing process for greater efficiency. By the end, you’ll have the tools to craft professional messages that get results. 

With the option to take this as a one- or two-day course, you can choose how deep you want to go, whether you're looking for a quick overview or a more detailed dive into the material. 

Business Writing That Works Complete

COURSE OUTLINE PRIVATE TRAINING REGISTER NOW

Business Writing That Works Level 1 (Basic)

COURSE OUTLINE PRIVATE TRAINING REGISTER NOW

Business Writing That Works Level 2 (Advanced)

COURSE OUTLINE PRIVATE TRAINING REGISTER NOW

Government Briefing Notes 

Designed For: 

Employees who are responsible for writing briefing notes as part of their job. 

Why You'll Benefit:  

In this course, you’ll learn how to effectively plan, draft, and summarize information for briefing notes, ensuring the content is relevant and impactful. You'll also develop your writing and editing skills specific to the format of briefing notes, learning how to present information clearly and concisely. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to create effective briefing notes that help decision-makers quickly understand key issues and make informed choices. 

COURSE OUTLINE PRIVATE TRAINING REGISTER NOW

Writing Reports and Proposals 

Designed For: 

Professionals who are responsible for writing reports for various purposes and want to increase their efficiency. 

Why You'll Benefit:  

This course will teach you how to prepare reports and proposals that inform, persuade, and present information effectively. You’ll learn to review your work to ensure it is clear, concise, complete, and correct. The course focuses on applying these skills to real-world applications, helping you produce reports and proposals that meet the needs of your audience and achieve your goals. By the end, you'll be able to write with greater confidence and efficiency, delivering documents that drive results. 

COURSE OUTLINE PRIVATE TRAINING REGISTER NOW

Minute Taking Essentials & Advanced Minute Taking - Motions & Voting 

Designed For: 

Professionals across various organizations, including government agencies, who are responsible for or interested in effective minute taking and want to enhance their skills with a focus on motions and voting. 

Why You'll Benefit:  

These two courses together will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the minute taking process, from the basics to more advanced topics. In Minute Taking Essentials, you'll learn the role of minutes, legal requirements, and key responsibilities, while mastering how to prepare for meetings and apply effective techniques to capture key points. You will gain insight into how you can use technology as part of your minute taking process.  

COURSE OUTLINE PRIVATE TRAINING REGISTER NOW

In Advanced Minute Taking - Motions & Voting, you'll take your skills to the next level by learning how to accurately document motions, understand who can make motions, and navigate the logistics of voting. These courses will give you the confidence and knowledge to handle both routine and complex minute taking tasks, ensuring that your records are both accurate and legally compliant. 

COURSE OUTLINE PRIVATE TRAINING REGISTER NOW

Upgrade Your Communication Skills with The Great Canadian Training & Consulting Company 

Being able to communicate effectively is essential in today’s digital workplace. Great Canadian Training offers practical, results-driven courses designed to improve your business writing immediately. Whether you're drafting emails, preparing reports, or taking meeting minutes, our courses help you communicate with clarity and impact. 

Our expert instructors bring years of experience and a passion for teaching. Not only will you gain valuable skills you can apply immediately, but you'll enjoy learning how to do so. Plus, we offer public, private, or online courses and programs tailored to your needs. All our courses come with after-training support, a certificate of completion, and a reference guide.  

Have you considered private training for your team? With private training, we can customize your training to meet your team's objectives, use your business documents instead of our course materials, and schedule your training to meet your operational needs.  

With a proven track record of providing a smooth learning experience, Great Canadian Training is the go-to choice for businesses looking for GREAT professional development opportunities for their team. Ready to take your communication to the next level? Get in touch with us today!