Professional Communications Certificate

Writing is how we share important information at work. But have you ever felt overwhelmed when asked to produce an official letter or report? If the answer is yes, then this course is for you! In “Writing Fundamentals,” we will take apart the task of professional writing, in order to understand all the key building blocks that make it work.
 
In particular, we will review the components of any effective piece of writing, and will also review the formatting protocols of specific types of business writing, like e-mails, reports, proposals, and letters.

In this course, participants will learn about:

• The purpose and demands of different writing tasks
• The role of audience
• Appropriate tone and style for different writing tasks
• Effective sentences and paragraphs
• Key structural elements (introduction, body, conclusion)

This course is ideal for:

• Any early to mid-career professionals who wish to improve upon the basics in order to be more successful in the workplace.

Length of course:

• This course will be offered online from 9:00–11:00 am on June 5, 8, and 9.

Facilitated by:

Robin Sutherland

You know the basics, and can produce a clear, well-organized piece of writing. But is it writing that inspires, convinces, or leaves a lasting impression? Learn how you can give your writing a competitive edge with a well-chosen verb, inclusive language, or the strategic use of the active voice. It’s easy to impress when you know how to manipulate your message.
 
“Writing Strategically” will explore the demands and challenges of professional writing, and provide participants with strategies to be able to write with diplomacy, tact, and finesse.

In this course, participants will learn about:

• Effective formatting protocols
• Diplomatic tone and style
• Strategic tone and style
• Effective word choice and language

This course is ideal for:

• Any early to mid-career professional who has a good grasp of the fundamentals, but would like to take their writing to a higher level.

Duration:

• July 10, 13, and 14, online from 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Facilitated by:

Robin Sutherland

The key to great writing is great revising. But what if you’re not sure what to look for? Or how to begin? Luckily, you don’t have to be a linguistic scholar to be a competent editor. With just enough grammar and a few easy strategies, you’ll be well on your way to some effective revising—and some great writing—in no time!

“Error-free Writing” will review key grammatical rules, emphasize the importance of developing your own voice as a writer, and provide helpful proof-reading strategies to enable you to identify—and correct—errors and weaknesses in your own writing.

In this course, participants will learn about:

• Essential punctuation marks
• Subject-verb agreement
• Nouns and pronouns
• Fragments and run-on sentences
• Active versus passive voice
• Plurals versus possessives
• Easy proofreading strategies

This course is ideal for:

• Any early career professionals who wish to produce grammatically correct, authoritative, and compelling writing.
• Any mid to late-career professionals interested in a grammar refresher, or in learning a few tips on how to edit their writing for increased clarity and effectiveness.

Duration:

• August 7, 10, and 11, online from 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Facilitated by:

Judith Arnold

This course will explore topics such as how to communicate professionally on digital platforms, nurturing client relationships online, personal branding and self-promotion, considering your target market and which platforms to reach them on, crisis and criticism response tactics, pros and cons popular digital platforms and how to stay updated on the best social media practices.

Duration:

October 2, 5, and 6 (online from 9:00–11:00 am)

Facilitated by:

Jenny (Woolridge) Richard

You are required to make presentations for work, volunteer organizations, or for special occasions, but you may lack any public speaking experience, or consider yourself a beginner. You are not alone. Many people feel ill-prepared or are afraid to speak in public. This course will teach you all the fundamentals of public speaking and how to cope with your fears. It will cover a number of topics to start you on your own journey to become a more skilled public speaker. Knowledge is power and practice makes perfect.

During this course, participants will learn through a combination of lectures and exercises how to prepare both mentally and physically to make a presentation that is engaging, interesting, and memorable.

In this course, participants will:

• Review the different forms of public speaking;
• Learn why public speaking skills are important;
• Explore the causes of public speaking fears;
• Learn techniques to overcome fears of public speaking;
• Learn formal and informal presentation formats;
• Discuss audience behaviour and non-verbal communication.

This course is ideal for:

• Anyone who needs to engage in public speaking, but lacks the confidence to do so.

Duration:

• November 6, 9, and 10; online from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Facilitated by:

Marla Haines

You have everyone’s attention, now what? This course is all about keeping your audience’s attention when you are speaking in front of a crowd. Learn the tricks of the trade to keep your audience engaged and interested in the information you are presenting to them, whether you are talking about the most anticipated launch of new technology or the most boring widget.

In this course, participants are provided with tools for their public speaking toolbox: the skills and techniques they can draw upon when making a formal presentation or speaking up at a business meeting.

In this course, participants will: 

• Review the fundamentals of public speaking;
• Learn how to tell an engaging story;
• Learn how to polish a presentation;
• Explore various methods of non-verbal communication;
• Learn the top five most effective public speaking techniques;
• Learn how to properly answer questions at the end of a presentation;
• Explore ways to avoid the PowerPoint trap

This course is ideal for:

• Anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills.

Duration:

• December 4, 7, and 8; online from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Facilitated by:

Marla Haines