In business, correct English grammar is essential in communicating effectively, in both speech and writing. The Grammar for Business Writing course highlights the usage problems associated with contemporary grammar. Grammar refers to rules that allow us to organise our words and sentences into coherent, meaningful language. This course, therefore, explores the major areas of English grammar.

The course also addresses the three issues underlying all errors of grammatical usage: the idea of Standard English, the effects of language change on English grammar, and the effects of language attitudes on our perception of "correct" English. It will be of interest to anyone who wishes to increase his or her confidence in presenting English clearly, and improve his or her editing and proofreading abilities.

Objective

After the workshop, you will be able to:

• recollect how the English language works
• communicate more accurately and effectively
• use precise vocabulary to convey the intended meaning
• avoid common English errors to polish your business writing

Outline

Who should attend

Managers, executives, and non-executive staff.

Methodology

Participants are guided through practical steps of the topic with a combination of lectures, group work, and proofreading and editing of business texts using a dictionary software.

Testimonial

"I have gained better knowledge on the proper usage of grammar, and can now write more effectively for reports and emails."
Ms Eu Hwan Suan - Executive (Community Outreach & Co-ownership), Chinese Development Assistance Council

"I can now take note of the common mistakes faced during email or report writing, and the concepts learnt will help me to realise the mistakes made in the past and not commit them again."
Mr Winston Lau Weng Cheong, Executive (Community Outreach & Co-ownership) - Chinese Development Assistance Council

"Thanks Florence! I have learnt a lot from you!"
Ms Huang Lixin, Administrative Officer - CPG Facilities Management Pte Ltd

Florence Au's Profile

Florence has been training adult learners in business communication for about 23 years. Her initial training stint in the private sector saw her teaching secretaries and administrative staff in the writing of letters, memos, reports, press releases and minutes of meetings for examination courses. With this experience and that accumulated from her job as an administrator and later a training manager, she went on to train public officers. She has since been training at the Civil Service College (CSC) for more than 9 years. At CSC, Florence conducts public-run written communication courses in the Write programme, which includes grammar, emails, letters, reports and minutes of meetings. Besides these, she also develops and trains customised programmes for the Singapore Police Force, Ministry of Education, Health Promotion Board, Singapore Land Authority, Building Construction Authority and People’s Association. In addition, she has re-written three courses for IPAM - Writing Reports and Proposals, Writing Minutes of Meetings and Writing Effectively - The Quality Service Approach.

Florence holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature, a Diploma in Translation and Interpretation and professional qualifications from the UK in writing minutes of meetings and shorthand.