In this program, we will examine how you can use business writing to enhance your credibility. By adhering to established conventions of writing, you will portray an image of expertise when you write to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.<p> If readers detect attention to detail in your business writing, they will gain trust in your ability to assist them. Conversely, if readers detect sloppiness, they will doubt whether an accountant has the competence to act on their file.</p><p> To explore the concept of attention to detail, we will review costly mistakes relating to grammar, spelling, word choice, and punctuation.</p><p> Specific Examples:</p><p> 1. Has the phrase “he or she” been overtaken by the pronoun known as “singular they”? We will answer this question by discussing grammar and modern views on gender. 2. Can you spot what is sloppy about the writing in the following sentence? <i>Whether you work alone, in a small firm, or manage a big team, here is a five-step plan to build your practice.</i></p><p> 3. How do you decide whether the correct phrase is “Joe and I” or “Joe and me”? </p>
Who Should Attend
This course is intended for CPAs and finance professionals at all levels. The reason this course is so widely applicable is that if you mix up “your” and “you’re”—or make any similar blunders, such as misspelling a client’s name or using an inconsistent style—then readers will associate your writing skills with your overall competence, irrespective of your experience or ability.
Topics Covered
- Grammar
- Spelling
- Word choice
- Punctuation
- Consistency
- The miscellaneous pet peeves of attentive readers
Learning Objectives
- Know when to adhere to the rules of grammar
- Select the proper word in every situation
- Identify when to avoid the traps of technological aids, such as “spell check”
- Choose pronouns that are grammatically and politically correct
- Identify and eliminate sloppy mistakes, such as forgetting to close parentheses
- Understand and have the ability to edit sentences that contain lists
- Master punctuation marks such as the Oxford comma and the comma in direct address
Level
Basic
Instructional Method
Group: Internet-based
NASBA Field of Study
Business Management & Organization (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites
None
Advance Preparation
None
Instructor
Ryan Standil
Ryan Standil leads seminars about effective written communication. He is a regular speaker at accounting firms, law firms, corporations, and governmental agencies.
Ryan attended Western University, in Canada, where he graduated from the Ivey Business School and the Faculty of Law. After graduating, Ryan worked at a law firm in Toronto, focusing on corporate and commercial matters.
Today Ryan owns and operates a seminar company, called Write To Excite.
Ryan’s mission is to help professionals grow their income by improving their writing.
Ryan is a frequent contributor to the leading newspaper in Canada, The Globe and Mail. Unsurprisingly, his columns can be described as “writing about writing.”
During Ryan’s communication seminars, participants learn how to view their own writing from the perspective of their readers. By adopting this perspective, participants are able to draft emails and documents that resonate with their various audiences.
Ryan’s training leaves participants with practical tips that they can apply right away.