Internal Comms

Better writing

For newcomers to internal comms, the aspect they are surprised at finding difficult is writing – we all learned to write at school didn't we? This course is about writing for readers: how to engage your reader and make sure you get your message across. It refreshes the basics of good writing – punctuation, grammar, spelling and common pitfalls. Then it covers how to write news and features, from either submitted material or from an interview.

Better editing

Editing a publication for the first time, even if it's a four-page newsletter can be daunting. This course covers the basics of planning, sourcing and managing content and contributors, commissioning, handling approvals and deadlines. It also looks at subbing, design, proofing and distribution.

Improving Project Management

Publication lead times – especially quarterlies – can seem endless without concrete deadlines to work towards. There can be so many options and things to decide at the outset. And so many factors – and people - seemingly beyond your control. The final print date feels a long way off, however, a small slip in the early days of production can grow into a series of pushed back deadlines. This half-day workshop looks at planning: how to do it, what to put in your plan and factors that you might not consider.

Managing upwards

Newcomers to corporate comms say the thing they find hardest to deal with is getting approval on copy, proofs, content or plans from senior management.
The also say they find having to influence and negotiate with senior management daunting at this early stage in their career. They are being asked to manage a high-profile product, perhaps requiring contact with people at high levels in areas of the business they haven’t worked in before. Suddenly the situation becomes frustrating and stressful. Together we look at plans, processes and techniques to overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties.

What delegates have said:
"I picked up all sorts of useful tips – not just about managing upwards."

"Well-managed and well-focused – could easily have become a people management course."

"All content covered is just about the right level. As a relative newcomer to written publications, the whole day was good basis on which to plan going forward. Not yet in a set routine so I can set the standards I want now, using what I have learnt today."

Ideas generator!

Coming up with lots of new ideas and fresh approaches on old themes isn't easy. Nor is trying to present a 'dry' story in an exciting and attention-grabbing way! Especially if the 'new editor' isn't aware of the variety of editorial approaches.

This half-day workshop browses through lots of treatments and ideas that help 'sell' a story to an audience.

More courses?

If you'd like to discuss other course options or if what you'd like to learn doesn't appear here, ring Vibrant on 08707 658111.