Effective Business Communication

Name: Effective Business Communication
Author: admin

About the Course

Effective communication skills are essential to master as they’re often at the top of the list of qualities demanded by employers.

In this course over six modules you’ll begin by looking at the definition of effective business communication, the use of appropriate language and tone, how to plan your communication and the forms of written communication.

You’ll also cover face-to-face communication, how to communicate effectively by phone, presentation skills and listening skills. Finally, you’ll look at online communication and how to effectively communicate online focusing on email, texts, online conferencing and more.

This is a truly comprehensive communications training course, which can be studied flexibly either within one of our centres or online, at home or work.

Course Info

Duration AROUND 12-14 HOURS (Actual course duration will vary from individual to individual, based on prior skills and application)

Training Type Course

Study Type In centre, Online

Awards & Qualifications

Awarded 14 CPD points upon successful completion

Is this course right for me?

This excellent course will raise your game when it comes to business communication skills which is often top of the list of qualities demanded by employers.

Is this course for you?

If you work as a PA, Admin Assistant, Office Administrator, Secretary or Receptionist, you will be dealing with business communications on a daily basis. This course will ensure you produce the highest quality communications enabling you to portray a professional representation of the business you work for. It’s also the perfect course for anyone looking to work in these types of roles as employers will be confident in your ability to handle their business communications.

Awarded 14 CPD points upon successful completion

Duration AROUND 12-14 HOURS (Actual course duration will vary from individual to individual, based on prior skills and application)

Course Content

There are 6 lessons in this training course:

Lesson One: You will look at the definition of business communication and the different methods of communicating in business.

Lesson Two: You’ll focus on the appropriate use of tone and language in your communications.

Lesson Three: Will look at planning your communication and the different forms of written business communications.

Lesson Four: You will cover face-to-face and phone communications as well as focusing on listening skills, questioning skills, body language and personal networking.

Lesson Five: This lesson focuses on presentation skills and will look at how to alleviate fears associated with delivering a presentation, preparing and structuring a presentation and more.

Lesson Six: This is an e-learning module which focuses on online communication. You’ll look at written online communications such as emails, webpages and blogs, then you’ll look at spoken online communications which include video conferencing, online presentations and audio conferencing.

Course Overview

Aims and Objectives

Through studying this communications course, you will learn how to communicate effectively and professionally within the business environment, and be able to demonstrate the practical skills you’ll have gained.

Career Path

Anyone looking for an Office Administration career in roles such as Admin Assistant, Secretary, Legal Secretary, Medical Secretary or PA will find this course a great point to progress from.

Pre-Requisites

There are no specific pre-requisites required for the study of this course.

April 2024

April 24 - April 25 Executive PA – 2-day workshop

Executive PA – 2-day workshop

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

April 26 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Time Management

Time Management

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

April 29 - April 30 Microsoft Project Complete – 2-day course

Microsoft Project Complete – 2-day course

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

April 29 - April 30 Project Management Principles

Project Management Principles

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 2024

May 1 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Better Business Writing

Better Business Writing

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 2 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Personal Development Workshops

Personal Development Workshops

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 2 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Management Skills

Management Skills

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 7 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Excel Intermediate

Excel Intermediate

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 7 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Time Management

Time Management

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

May 7 Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop

May 8 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Influencing Skills

Influencing Skills

Glasgow First Floor 82 Union Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 8 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Report Writing

Report Writing

Edinburgh 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Testimonials

“I enrolled with Pitman in August 2008, having been made redundant from my job as a Legal Secretary in July 2008. I studied the Pitman Upgrade to Fast Track Microsoft Skills Diploma. When I returned to work in 2000 having raised my family, I was unfamiliar with computers I undertook a very basic computer course and was lucky to be offered a part time job with a local Solicitors, but I always felt there was so much more to Word and Excel that I did not know. Having spent six months at Pitman doing the above course, I was lucky enough to get a part time job as a typist/receptionist with W R Hall, Chartered Surveyors. Although this job is very different to my last one, I have been able to make use of the skills I learned on your course, especially with Word and Excel.
Having been a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau for many years, in August 2009 I was offered an admin job. I needed to use Access and could confidently do this having completed my training in that as well. I now have two part time jobs which keeps me very busy! I feel sure that I would not have been offered the second admin job if I had not learned Access, as this takes up a great part of my working hours.
I really enjoyed my time at Pitman. The staff were really friendly and helpful and it was a very professional environment to be in. It certainly got me through the six months I was unemployed, as it felt almost like going out to work on the days I attended the Training Centre.”

HG – Fast Track Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

“When I first came to see you I found myself aged 50 with no skills to offer the modern workplace and I had no idea how I would earn a living and support myself financially. I decided to undertake the Legal Secretarial Diploma and, at first, it felt like I had such a huge mountain to climb. However, I kept reminding myself of that well worn quote that, even the longest journey begins with one small step. I was able to study as and when I could and fit it around all the personal changes that were going on in my life.
With the patience, help and support and encouragement of everyone at Pitman I gained my diploma. However, I wasn’t sure if being a legal secretary was what I wanted to do so I decided to temp for a while to gain experience and ‘test the waters’. Since then, I have been a Medical Secretary, Office Manager in a very busy recruitment consultancy and, more recently, Administrator in a small firm of quantity surveyors.
At the end of last year I decided to start looking for a permanent post and have just been offered a part-time position as Audio Typist/Medical Secretary. This will bring together my previous nursing experience and knowledge of medical terminology with all that I have learned at Pitman and consolidated while temping.
I have such fond memories of the training room and found all the staff to be friendly and helpful. I would recommend the courses to anyone and wish I had discovered Pitman years ago. Big thanks to you all.”

JG – Legal Secretarial Diploma

Private Individuals, Secretarial Diploma

“I found the style of teaching, materials provided, seminars, the instructors’ behaviour and attitude, of excellent quality and standards. I am happy.”

SD – Executive PA Diploma

General Courses, Private Individuals

I have a better understanding of how to manage conflict in the work place, and how to be more confident.

Ann – Staff nurse – Conflict Managment

Conflict Management, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

Excellent trainer, made you feel at ease and felt comfortable to join in.

Laura – PA to Directors – Time Management

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Time Management

“I was amazed with what I achieved with My course. I’m over 3 months into my job at HM Revenue and Customs and the background I received through the Accounting Technician Diploma undoubtedly helped me secure the job and has helped ‘on the job’.”

GM – Accounting Tecnhnician Diploma

Book-Keeping, Private Individuals

“When I came to see Fran she recommended Microsoft Excel, HTML, Dreamweaver 8 and Book-Keeping Level 2 Module 1 courses as the most suitable for preparing me to set up my own online business.

The staff were all very helpful and polite and the environment was professional but friendly. I have since set up a website with a friend as an information site for parents and carers of children with autism.

The courses at Pitman increased my confidence with technology and made me believe that after 15 years as a music teacher, and 2 years as a full time carer for my children who have support needs, I can now change direction and transform my life.”

JM – Various Courses

General Courses, Private Individuals

‘’Over the past two years we have used Pitman Training for a number of courses and the feedback has always been excellent.
I have personally been on two – Delegation Skills and Supervisory Skills, both proved to be well constructed, interactive and of great use not just in the workplace but as useful tools in general life.
One of our other teams have used their Project Management course to great effect. It was carried out by someone who has masses of experience in Project Management so gave a solid practical slant rather than a Trainer delivering a course.It would be fair to say that the two courses that I attended were the same.
On the whole I find them extremely professional, also great if you want a bespoke course.
I have over the years used a variety of companies and Pitman always seem to deliver exactly what you want.’’

Elma C——HR Administrator (Training)—–NHS Education for Scotland

Organisations Testimonials, Supervisory Skills

I came to Pitmans after leaving my job as a Customer Service Team Leader as I wanted to better myself & change careers. I studied the Executive PA Diploma, the course was very informative & could be done at my own pace. After completing the course I temped for 3 months & then I managed to get a job as an administrator through Office Angels. I am now working for an Interior Design company as PA to the Managing Director.
I would recommend Pitman to anyone who wants to improve themselves, I also made some new friends who I am still in contact with, as my circle of friends was very limited as I knew no-one when I moved to Edinburgh 3 years ago…
Many thanks again, I will be back!

LB – Executive PA Diploma

Executive PA, Private Individuals

The learning process used by you is so relaxing and such an enjoyable was to learn. I have studied a lot in my time, but this is the first time it has really been fun.

J L

Private Individuals

I believe that the only reason I was granted an interview let alone being offered this position, is because I had enrolled for your course at Pitman Training, Edinburgh.

F C – Medical Secretary

Private Individuals

Very friendly and I never felt that I was being taught anything but the information flowed. Your trainer is the best thing about this course. Thank you Julie.

Tracy – Support Assistant – Train The Trainer

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Train the Trainer

I would have no hesitation in recommending Pitman Training to anyone who has an interest in investing in their personal development

C N – Executive Assistant

Private Individuals

Training was excellent – very knowledgeable and able to answer questions and provide examples.

Dawn – Information and Knowledge Manager – Project Management Principles

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Project Management

High praise. Marion drew from her own experiences which I appreciated. She was able to help us with our individual issues. She listed to us and adapted her training to suit our needs.

Alanna – Office Manager/PA – Executive PA Seminar

Executive PA Seminar, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

The course content was clear and relevant. I met the objectives I came with.

Leanne – Sales Executive – PowerPoint

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Powerpoint Seminars

‘’Just to thank you again for the excellent course. It was at just the right level and I really appreciated being able to attend without having done the previous one.Too many courses insist on a progression through levels with certificates rather than accepting experience. Callum presented the course at a very good pace giving plenty of time for questions.Definitely the best computing related course I have attended!’’

Excel level 2 C M——-National Trainer

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

“Working as a secretary with Axis Media I felt that I needed to brush up my skills on some of the Office programmes that I was using as part of my job as well as gaining a recognised qualification. The Fast Track Diploma did this for me, and clarified some of the “mysteries” surrounding programmes such as Access which I had used slightly but never fully explored.
The course books and audio CD were clear and easy to follow, and the training staff were all very friendly and helpful, to the point of offering advice even after the course had finished.
Their unfailing cheeriness and sense of humour (together with the excellent facilities and pleasant working surroundings) added to the good atmosphere at the Pitman’s centre which is why I’ve now come back to do another course!”

PF – Fast Track Diploma

General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

Marion was great. She made the day very interesting and adapted it well to suit individual needs.

Laura – Admin Assistant – Better Business Writing

Better Business Writing, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

The trainer was very knowledgeable and helpful. The facilities were good to. Very good – highly recommend to anyone.

Dawn – Head of Project Management – MS Project

IT Tutor Led, MS Project, Organisations Testimonials

Excellent course, well presented and worthwhile. Thank you!

Katie – Personal Assistant – Word

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Word Seminars

“Before I started my training at Pitman I was unemployed, I had been working as a accounts assistant in a hotel for three years and although my last job was in accounting I had no knowledge or understanding of SageLine 50 Computerised Accounting, which is widely used throughout many organisations, so it was important for me to learn this accounting software.
I found all the staff really helpful in guiding and advising me throughout the course and when I had finished they suggested I should take the Computerised Sage 50 Payroll course to complement further my skills.
On finishing both courses, I was also advised by the staff to take the external examinations from the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) in both of the courses I had studied. Once I finished the IAB exams in June 2013 I became committed in searching for a job in an accountancy position. The knowledge I had gained and the results of the courses enhanced my C.V and I felt much more confident when applying for jobs.
After two months I managed to secure three interviews, two of which offered me jobs. I accepted a full time sales ledger assistant position in Skyscanner.
I would like to thank Pitman Training staff for all their help and support which has helped me to secure the job that I wanted.”

MR – Sage

Book-Keeping, Private Individuals, Sage

“I started off with Pitman doing Microsoft Office 2007 specialist before progressing into Microsoft Office 2010 and attaining Microsoft Office Master status by sitting Microsoft exams at Expert Level in Word and Excel and standard level Outlook and PowerPoint.
To add to my knowledge I have just completed Pitman’s ‘Train the Trainer’ 3 day course and applied to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). With this training I have plans to increase the knowledge of Office within East Coast Mainline staff.
The skills and knowledge I gained, studying at Pitman Training, have made my job easier by using the advanced features in Microsoft Office to ‘correctly’ format and automate reports and simplify data collation. The ‘Train the Trainer’ course has provided me with increased confidence in dealing with people and situations and will allow me to improve working practice in the office by imparting my ‘Pitman gained’ Microsoft Office Knowledge to others. By raising the overall Office knowledge this should allow the depot to operate better with less time spent ‘trying’ to figure out bullet points and how to create graphs and more time spent doing the actual work.
You have an amazing team of staff at York Place, they are all a credit to you.
The flexibility of learning at Pitman Training is excellent given that you are able to study at Pitman Offices or distance learning at work or home to suit your personal circumstances.
I would thoroughly recommend Pitman Training whether you are looking to improve your situation by training to get a better job or improve your job security at your current location by improving your skills.”

KS – Microsoft Office

General Courses, General Diploma, Microsoft Office, Private Individuals

Very good, very informative and relevant to our needs.

Steven – Civil Engineer – MS Project

IT Tutor Led, MS Project, Organisations Testimonials

“I relocated to Scotland after teaching English abroad for 15 years. Unable to find similar work here, I spent an anxious 12 months as an office temp, eventually gaining a permanent position as an admin assistant at a law firm in Glasgow. I carried out the usual range of tasks – photocopying, filing, distributing faxes. Although happy to have a job and appreciating its positive qualities, I felt held back – both in my own workplace and on the job market as a whole – by my lack of IT and keyboard skills.
One happy day I made an appointment to see Linda Morrison at the Glasgow Pitman Training Centre. Linda understood my frustration and recommended the Diploma in Business Skills, a qualification that combined basic keyboard training with Microsoft Office courses, plus Effective Business Communication and an elective (from a wide range of options, I chose ‘Get Into HR’).
There were eight modules in all and the sessions had to be fitted in around a full-time job and busy family life. Ultimately I took 18 months to complete it all but felt very proud when I took home my Diploma. I’m still working for the same firm but now run the library and deputise for the Archivist in his absence. My daily work is far more interesting and varied than it once was, and that fact – combined with the high unemployment brought about by the recession – means that I’m not interested in changing jobs in the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be flexible in these hard times and to be able to offer additional skills if need be. I don’t regret the time and energy I put into my courses – they’ve given me tremendous self-confidence and a great sense of relief that I’m no longer left behind or marginalised by my lack of knowledge.
I’ve already recommended the Glasgow Pitman Training Centre to a number of friends and am happy to do so again. I’d also like to put on record my thanks to all the staff for their cheerful help and unfailing moral support throughout my training.”

MF – Diploma

General Diploma, Private Individuals

Julie related ‘real life’ situations which I could relate to.

Paul – Problem Manager – Communication Skills

Communication Skills, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

‘’I would like to say how much I enjoyed the above course yesterday. I have to say this ranked as one of the very best courses I have attended and I now have a more positive attitude towards meetings/minute taking. Please pass my thanks to the trainer.’’

L D

Minutes and Note Taking, Organisations Testimonials

Julie tailored the course excellently to the different interests/problems of the participants. She sought out appropriate material related to our fields of work. I felt the small course size was excellent.

Rachel – Manager – Influencing Skills

General PD, Influencing Skills, Organisations Testimonials

“After 12 years working for an airline I decided to make a career change and started looking into various training companies. I selected Pitman Training based on their helpfulness and support.
I started studying in August of 2007 and initially signed up for Comptia’s A+ to ensure I was making the right choice. After completing this with the great help I got from John and Martin I then went on to study for my MCSA.
Before completing my course I started applying for a few jobs and was lucky to secure a position with BCF Technology as an IT support engineer. I have no doubt that taking this course had a lot to do with their decision.
Throughout my involvement with Pitman Training I received nothing but encouragement from all the staff and fellow students, which certainly made learning easier and more enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Pitman Training to anyone that asked and will be using them for any future training I may need to undergo.”

MM – IT Technical

IT Technical, Private Individuals

The small group allowed for personal interaction and focus on specific examples from the group.

Donald – Client service manager – Assertiveness

Assertiveness, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

The trainer was happy to stop and answer any questions and did not make you feel your questions were silly.

Eileen – Finance and Admin Officer – Access

Access Seminars, IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials

The course was relaxed, friendly and inclusive. The tutor was experienced and comfortable with answering questions raised not phased by anything.

Linda – Personal Assistant – Executive PA Seminar

Executive PA Seminar, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

Knowledgeable, Approachable and effective communicator.

Margaret – Care home manager – Assertiveness

Assertiveness, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

I loved that the trainer had done the role and understands the job and what is needed. Excellent!

Nicola – Office Administrator – Meertings and Minutes

General PD, Meetings and Minutes, Organisations Testimonials

Changing career direction after leaving college early was a difficult thing to do, but training with Pitman gave me brilliant skills and has enabled me to get to where I am now. My CV is looking good and I feel 100% more confident because I know I have the right skills.

B D – Project Administrator

Private Individuals

They seemed to be so impressed that I had been at Pitman Training to do the training. I cannot believe how doing one course can transform your job area.

J M – Management Support Officer

Private Individuals

“This was one of the most useful training sessions I have ever been to.The tutor gave a lot of practical advice and I thought asking people to commit to action plans to take advice back to the workplace was great.The trainer really listened to people and made sure everyone’s objectives were dealt with fully.”

Zoe Westwood—–Project Officer—-Changeworks

Organisations Testimonials, Time Management

I was recently promoted to secretary to the Clinical Director at the Princess Royal Maternity in Glasgow. The job is varied, interesting and very well paid. I still have fond memories of my days at Pitman Training.

E L – Medical Secretary to the Clinical Director

Private Individuals

I know the Diploma qualification was a major selling point. Without my Pitman Training I would be lost at sea!

E W – PA

Private Individuals

Very easy to understand, follow and very approachable.

Michelle – IT change manager – Assertiveness

Assertiveness, General PD, Organisations Testimonials

Very good. I did a full semester in university on Project Management and this course taught me much more than I learned at university.

Rosemary – Wind Farm Developer – Project Management Principles

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Project Management

I have a job with the Inland Revenue as a Revenue Assistant. I enjoyed your course’s flexibility the most, as it was at my own pace.

J M – Inland Revenue Assistant

Private Individuals

Marion was very clear about the topic covered in the course. I found I actually enjoyed it more than I was expecting.

Jamie – Customer Service/Security – Receptionist Seminar

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Receptionist Seminar

Excellent.

Alison – Receptionist – Outlook

IT Tutor Led, Organisations Testimonials, Outlook Seminar

Very engaging, simplified a lot of complex issues to meet the needs of the audience. Genuinely found both days very fascinating – very rare that I can listen to someone speak for 2 days and not get bored, but Julie achieved this! Can’t wait to try out my new tools and techniques!

Sarah-Louise – Business Development Executive – Influencing Skills

General PD, Influencing Skills, Organisations Testimonials

No Improvement required. Speed, clarity and technique ideal. The trainer was excellent!

Wendy – Receptionist – Meetings and Minutes

General PD, Meetings and Minutes, Organisations Testimonials

Marion was excellent. Kept us all motivated. Structured the session well. Looking forward to attending another one of Marions training workshop.

Natalie – Executive Assistant – Report Writing

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Report Writing

The tutor knew her role very well, she was happy to answer questions and gave good advice on situations.

Elsamarie – Receptionist – Receptionist Seminar

General PD, Organisations Testimonials, Receptionist Seminar

“After graduating a few years ago and going off for a few years to live abroad, I then came back and decided to pursue a career in law. I decided the best route was to first get experience in a law firm and then perhaps study part time. My goal was to become a legal secretary to start off but the skills required such as Microsoft Office packages and knowledge of legal terminology and procedures was not something I had picked up at university!!
I decided I needed a foot in the door and chose to study for the legal secretarial diploma at Pitman. The course was great because it was completely flexible and the training facilities were of the highest standard. The supervisors were always happy and friendly and I was impressed that they really took an interest in everyone personally.
Towards the end of my course, the supervisors referred me to a vacancy at Simpson and Marwick for a litigation secretary. Litigation was the most interesting module and that was the area I wanted to get into. I decided to apply. The very next morning, I had an interview lined up and two days later I had the job. It was the first job I applied to. The HR manager at Simpson told me that the diploma at Pitman had secured me the job and she believed the course to be an excellent grounding for starting work there.”
As regards the job, I have been there for a few weeks now and I can honestly say that I’m loving every minute of it. It’s definitely challenging and at times hard work but it’s interesting and I work with a great group of people in the best litigation team in Scotland.
I’d also like to say a big thank you to the training team who helped me the most. They really went that extra mile to help me and they were always so friendly and nice to be around. Please pass on my thanks to them – they are great assets to Pitman!

LC – Legal Secretarial Diploma

General Diploma, Legal Secretarial, Private Individuals

” I would like to thank you for giving me this unique opportunity to change my life and get a good job as a bookkeeper.
To be honest, as a foreigner I was scared at hat the course would be too hard to study and understand but I decided to take this challenging opportunity and improve my skills.
The training materials were amazing. They were very well presented and easy to learn. However the greatest advantage was the Training Supervisors. At any point when you are stuck with the subject or do not understand the questions then all you have to do is ask and all the help you need is there for you.
After I completed just three of the modules I decided to look of a job as a part time bookkeeper and I was in seventh heaven when I was offered a job before I had even finished my course.
The knowledge I have received from Pitman has helped me to develop my skills and improve my financial situation.
I strongly believe that anyone with a bit of discipline, patience and effort can change their lives for the best with the help of Pitman Training.”

AKS – Accounting Technician Diploma

Book-Keeping, Private Individuals

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Effective Business Communication