Meet the Instructor
Claude Panneton
Claude Panneton is a former public service executive with over 20 years of communications experience including risk and crisis communications, issues management, strategic communications and oversight of departmental public environment analysis, public opinion research and media monitoring.
Testimonials
"Great course overall. It was very insightful and I enjoyed the balance between writing style and the types of documents that go to senior management. The course was well designed and presented. I wouldn't change a thing."
G102
STRATEGIC WRITING
FOR YOUR SENIOR MANAGEMENT
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
In today’s fast-paced environment, your Senior Managers and Ministers have little time to absorb key information and make decisions to guide their organizations. It is important to understand what these leaders need, and to write texts they can read and act on quickly.
This workshop discusses how to present information, recommendations and advice effectively in writing. Participants will learn tips for writing clearly and apply these tips to briefing notes and presentations for Senior Management, letters for the Minister’s signature, and Cabinet documents.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
- How to write in a clear, concise manner
- How to approach and organize information for your Senior Managers
- How to structure notes, decks and other documents for executive management and Ministers
WHAT WILL YOU TAKE AWAY?
- Presentation slides in the form of a participant notebook
- Useful handouts and exercises
PREFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
- Thinking Things Through: Innovating through analysis and ideas
| Agenda | |
|---|---|
| 8:45 - 9:00 | Introductions and Workshop Overview |
| 9:00 - 9:30 | Why Do We Write to Senior Management?
Participants consider the multiple demands on Senior Managers and the purpose of written documents for the Big Boss. They discuss what Senior Managers and Ministers need from their advisors. |
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Writing Imperatives
Participants examine the key components of good writing and discuss why clear writing matters. Participants practise tips and tricks for writing simply and effectively. |
| 10:30 - 10:45 | Break |
| 10:45 - 12:00 | Preparing to Write for the Big Boss
Participants review the steps for drafting texts for the Big Boss and consider the importance of knowing the purpose, understanding the context, and writing for the reader. They discuss how to develop a senior management perspective and write strategically. |
| 12:00 - 1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00 - 3:00 | Notes and Decks for Senior Management
How to structure briefing notes for the Senior Manager and presentations for the Executive Management table. Participants practise composing notes and decks. |
| 3:00 - 3:15 | Break |
| 3:15 - 4:15 | Writing for the Minister(s)
Participants review requirements for writing Treasury Board Submissions, Memoranda to Cabinet, and letters for the Minister’s signature. They practise composing a letter for the Minister’s signature. |
| 4:15 - 4:30 | Wrap-up and Workshop Evaluation
Participants complete a short evaluation. |