Communication Workshops

Professional English provides individual and group training to non-native and native English speakers who want to improve their speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, cross-cultural communication, and public speaking skills.

Workshops

Our workshops are customized to address the work-related needs of the participants. Professional English analyzes the current skill levels of the participants by gathering samples of current practices (such as writing samples, PowerPoint presentations, etc.). After analyzing these samples, we modify our basic workshops to incorporate examples that reflect the participants' shared problem areas. We may also add or delete subject material to tailor the workshop most closely to the participants' needs.

Workshop participants will receive a materials packet that fully covers the training content.

Workshop Topics:

Clear and Concise Writing
This workshop explains the most efficient writing process, including strategies for planning, writing, and editing. Different levels of organization are addressed (including paragraph and sentence structure), and many sample documents are analyzed.

Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation
Clear, concise, and correct sentences are the focus of this workshop. Common grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling challenges are explained. Participants' specific questions about grammar and usage are answered during the workshop.

Email Do's and Don'ts: How to Write Persuasive and Professional Email Messages
Email messages have replaced business letters as the preferred business correspondence; however, email's power and importance is often underestimated. This workshop will help participants write more professional and persuasive messages. Topics include writing effective subject lines, organizing the message's ideas, creating a clear action step, and signing off appropriately. Many examples will be analyzed and the latest in email etiquette will also be discussed.

The Complete Business Writing Course
This comprehensive workshop incorporates the highlights from the workshops Clear and Concise Writing, Email Do's and Don'ts and Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation. This workshop is an excellent refresher for participants who want to brush up on their writing skills.

Technical Writing
This workshop improves participants' abilities to communicate technical/project information to different audiences. Topics include how to organize technical documents, write effective headings, convey factual information, create clear figures/tables, and avoid the common pitfalls of technical writing. Many exercises ensure that participants will be able to apply these writing concepts immediately.

Manager Communication Workshop
This workshop focuses on the specific challenges managers face when communicating with their staff. Topics include effective listening strategies, communicating with stressed employees, body language insights, giving constructive feedback, conveying negative messages without damaging relationships, and common communication mistakes to avoid. Participants have the information reinforced and clarified by engaging in interactive activities throughout the workshop, including how to succeed in a variety of challenging situations.

Giving Persuasive Presentations
Topics for this hands-on workshop include audience analysis, preparation strategies, PowerPoint slide advice, delivery techniques, overcoming anxiety, body language, and answering challenging questions. During longer workshops, participants may be videotaped giving their presentations, which allows for self-critique and focused feedback.

Cultural and Language Insights for International Communication
Participants gain insights into other cultures' value systems, social customs, business practices, body language, and communication styles. Specific cultures can be highlighted at the request of the client. Special emphasis is given to speaking effectively with those who have low English proficiency, as well as understanding strong accents.

Strategies for Enhancing Listening and Questioning Skills
Listening and questioning skills are two of the most valuable communication tools we use. By reading body language, listening for word choices, asking effective questions, and employing empathic listening techniques, participants of this workshop will better understand the conscious and subconscious messages of others.

Dynamic Face-to-Face Communication: How to Enhance Your Conversation Skills
Effective face-to-face conversations are the foundations upon which relationships are built, and strong relationships often lead to success. This workshop explains the complexities of professional face-to-face communication, including the many uses of small talk, as well as advice about vocal quality, body language, and phrasing. Interesting role-playing scenarios will be used to illustrate these areas.

Positively Successful: Simple Techniques for Positively Conveying Bad News
No one likes to hear bad news, but if delivered well, bad news can motivate people to move in a more productive direction. This workshop covers many of the specific do's and don'ts of giving bad news. These include projecting the right body language, reading and reacting to others' body language, timing the bad news delivery, and selecting the best means by which to give the bad news. This hands-on workshop will be filled with examples and exercises.

Dealing with Challenging Individuals: Techniques for Succeeding with Stressed, Frustrated, and Angry People
Stress, fatigue, and adrenaline greatly hinder people's abilities to think clearly. This workshop helps managers and customer service reps understand how to adapt communication strategies accordingly. Topics include recognizing the subtle signs that an individual is becoming stressed, frustrated, or angry, as well as using body language, vocal quality, and word choices to relax such individuals and better communicate with them.

Phone Strategies That Work: Making Every Call Professional, Positive, and Persuasive
Phone conversations pose a significant challenge to effective communication because more than half (55%) of communication is conveyed through body language. This workshop will enhance participants' skills in listening for and using vocal cues (pacing, volume, and tone), as well as strengthen their abilities to project a positive attitude during calls. Topics also include preparing well before calling, making each call persuasive, and using best phone practices.

Custom-Designed Communication Workshops
Professional English will design a workshop to address the specific needs of your organization. Custom-designed workshop may include elements of the workshops listed above, or may focus on communication issues unique to your personnel. We will work closely with you to ensure that all training is beneficial and immediately applicable.