Professional Communication: Business Writing and Storytelling
Online short courseLearn to research, write and edit clear and compelling business communications.
VIEW COURSE PROSPECTUS
6 weeks, excluding
orientation
6-8 hours per week,
self-paced learning online
Weekly modules,
flexible learning
Enjoy a free, three-month digital subscription with this executive education course from The Economist. Read articles on Economist.com, listen to the weekly edition, watch videos, browse newsletters, immerse yourself in our podcasts and app, or join us at exclusive events.
On completion of this course, you will walk away with:
An understanding of the importance and impact of professionally written content.
A writer’s toolkit based on The Economist’s editorial approach, helping you to navigate questions of structure, word choice and style.
Practical writing, editing and data-visualisation skills for creating clear and compelling business communications.
This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 50 hours of learning.
Note: should students wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon them. Economist Education and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Course curriculum
Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work through the following modules:Module 1
Planning for impact
Take the first steps to being a reflective, productive writer.
Module 2
Crafting your structure
Determine how to gather materials and structure information into an outline.
Module 3
Choosing words that work
Learn how the right word in the right place can ensure maximum impact and clarity.
Module 4
Writing clear and engaging sentences
Discover how to build words into phrases and sentences that engage the reader.
Module 5
Making data beautiful and compelling
Determine how to present data effectively to support your writing.
Module 6
Editing your work
Reflect critically on your writing, learning to revise and edit your work as well as the work of others.
Please note that module titles and their contents are subject to change during course development.
Course founder
Lane Greene
Language columnist, The Economist
Lane Greene writes the “Johnson” column on language for the newspaper. Prior to this, he was deputy books and arts editor. He has also covered culture, European business, law, energy, the environment and American politics. Lane is the author of two books on language, "Talk on the Wild Side" and "You Are What You Speak", and won the journalism award from the Linguistic Society of America in 2017. He is a former adjunct assistant professor in global affairs at New York University, and a consultant to Freedom House, a non-governmental organisation. He received an MPhil from the University of Oxford in European politics, and a BA with honours from Tulane University in international relations and history. Lane also speaks nine languages.
An online education that sets you apart
Economist Education is collaborating with GetSmarter, an online education provider, to deliver this online course. Join a global community of professionals who will have the opportunity to:
Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education.
Enjoy a personalised and supported online learning experience.
Earn a certificate of completion online from Economist Education