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
Who should attend?
This interactive workshop will be beneficial to all individuals working in an administrative, program, project, advisory or other related positions or functions in public, private or voluntary sectors.
What will you take away?
- Presentation slides in the form of a participant notebook
- Useful handouts and exercises
Professional competencies
- Thinking Things Through: Innovating through analysis and ideas
Sample Agenda
| Activity |
|---|
| Introductions and Workshop Overview |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| BREAK |
| 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. |
| LUNCH |
| 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. |
| BREAK |
| 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. |
| Wrap-up and Workshop Evaluation Participants complete a short evaluation. |
Several people made a point of telling me how well the presentation went, how useful it was to them and how well I did, leading the presentation. I frankly owe these kudos to you and an excellent training session. This was, in fact, the first time I have ever delivered a presentation in such formal circumstances. My ability to perform (without nerves!) in front of a high-powered group was entirely due to the learning I received from you at the “Effective Oral Briefings and Presentations to Senior Officials” session in March (2014). So thanks, Josef!