Objective
This training program is designed to assist participants to internalize the skills necessary to produce good, clear writing.

Basis
Peter Van Kampen, the erstwhile Chairman of a US based company Mr Avinash Narula had worked for early in his career, turned out to be the inspiration behind the latter’s book titled "80/20 rule of Communicating Your Ideas effectively". This lesson taught him that one does not necessarily need a fancy vocabulary and slides to communicate one’s point during a presentation. You may not believe so, but it is the reality of the matter. In the same manner, a large number of people believe that for effective writing you need an extensive vocabulary and in-depth knowledge of the rules of English grammar. No wonder so many people shy away from writing. Of course, these things help but what is more important is knowing and implementing the 80/20 rule of communicating your ideas effectively. We firmly believe that this communicating tool will enhance the value to be delivered through your presentation and will also convince your audience to, either adopt your ideas or buy your products. As a matter of fact, applying this rule will automatically make your presentation or writing more accurate, understandable and interesting. You could end up killing several birds with just a single stone. Taking this rule a step further, Mr Narula has converted this self experience into a brilliantly illustrated seminar for others to learn from. A practitioner himself, he has been able to share this simple concept with participants in his training programs with excellent results.

Contents
SESSION 1

a) Introduction
The importance and purpose of report writing.

(b) The "S" Word
"S" here stands for the word "story."According to our Director (Faculty), Mr. Avinash Narula, lack of a proper story or flow is one of the major reasons why reports of executives and students are not convincing or effective. We believe that in report writing this is very essential to not only convince/persuade but also to maintain the interest of the reader. Apart from being logical, it is very important that the report has the right sequence.

(c) The Structure of a Report

• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

One of the reasons why executives and students are not able to write effective reports is that they do not follow the above structure. Also, the understanding of "transitions" which is absolutely necessary to maintain the flow from one paragraph to another.

(a) Outlining / Developing the Table of Contents
Most people start writing without a draft "Table of Contents" which results in delays and lot of editing. We believe that a tentative "Table of Contents" should be prepared which will make the writing of report easy and logical. It will also indicate gaps in the "story" or lack of information so that timely appropriate action can be taken to overcome the same. Participants will be taught how to prepare the same. The above will also assist the writer to determine what the contents of the report should be.

SESSION 3

(a) The Writing Process

• Planning
• Deciding contents of the report
• Drafting
• Revising / Editing for consistency and accuracy
• Finishing

SESSION 4
(a) Other Issues in Report Writing

• End notes / Footnotes
• How to improve readability.
• How to use visual aids effectively.
• How to represent supporting data effectively.
• Writing for a specific target audience.
• Some tips on writing style.
• Researching
• Executive Summary
• Formatting

Format
The training program will be highly interactive, that is, participants will be involved in discussion. The Trainer will use examples from his own experience as a business executive and entrepreneur to illustrate and strengthen understanding of the subject.