This advanced course focuses on the specialized writing skills required for executive-level communication, including strategic briefs, business proposals, and board-level documents. Participants will learn to distill complex information into concise, compelling written materials that support executive decision-making and drive organizational action. The curriculum covers advanced structuring techniques, executive summary writing, data presentation for senior audiences, and persuasive writing strategies that influence at the highest organizational levels. Through analysis of excellent examples and intensive practice, learners will master the art of executive writing that gets read, understood, and acted upon.
Strategic Executive Writing: Briefs, Proposals, and Board Papers
Communication and Writing Skills
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Write compelling executive summaries and briefs
- Structure complex information for executive audiences
- Create persuasive business cases and proposals
- Prepare professional board papers and reports
- Present data and analysis effectively to senior leaders
- Adapt writing style for different executive audiences
- Influence decision-making through strategic writing
- Manage the executive document review process
Target Audience
- Senior Managers and Directors
- Strategy and Planning Professionals
- Business Analysts and Consultants
- Project and Program Directors
- Executive Assistants
- Department Heads
- Aspiring Executives
Methodology
- Analysis of excellent executive documents
- Progressive writing assignments with feedback
- Executive role-playing and document review
- Case studies of successful and failed proposals
- Peer review of executive writing
- Individual writing coaching
Personal Impact
- Enhanced ability to communicate with executives
- Improved strategic thinking and writing
- Stronger influence and persuasion skills
- Better complex information management
- Increased professional credibility
Organizational Impact
- Improved executive decision-making support
- Enhanced strategic communication quality
- Faster organizational decision cycles
- Better resource allocation decisions
- Stronger governance and compliance
Course Outline
Unit 1: Executive Communication Principles
Executive Audience- Understanding executive priorities and pressures
- Time constraints and attention spans
- Decision-making processes at senior levels
- Building credibility through writing
- Aligning writing with organizational strategy
- Demonstrating business acumen in writing
- Connecting details to big picture impact
- Anticipating executive questions and concerns
Unit 2: Executive Briefs and Summaries
Brief Structure- One-page briefing techniques
- Executive summary best practices
- Bottom-line up front approach
- Supporting detail management
- Extracting key insights from complex data
- Eliminating unnecessary detail
- Creating clear action recommendations
- Balancing completeness with conciseness
Unit 3: Business Case Development
Case Structure- Problem statement and opportunity definition
- Solution description and benefits
- Financial analysis and ROI presentation
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Building compelling arguments
- Evidence selection and presentation
- Stakeholder analysis and addressing
- Creating urgency and importance
Unit 4: Board Paper Preparation
Board Communication- Understanding board responsibilities and focus
- Board paper format and standards
- Governance and compliance considerations
- Directors' information needs
- Structuring complex board papers
- Incorporating legal and financial information
- Managing sensitive and confidential topics
- Preparing for board discussion and questions
Unit 5: Data Presentation for Executives
Visual Communication- Executive-level charts and graphs
- Dashboard design principles
- Key performance indicator presentation
- Making numbers meaningful and memorable
- Translating data into insights
- Trend analysis and forecasting presentation
- Comparative analysis techniques
- Scenario analysis and modeling results
Unit 6: Strategic Proposal Writing
Proposal Development- Major project and investment proposals
- Strategic partnership proposals
- Mergers and acquisition documentation
- Capital investment requests
- Building consensus through writing
- Addressing objections proactively
- Creating compelling vision statements
- Aligning with organizational priorities
Unit 7: Executive Review Process
Document Management- Managing multiple reviewer feedback
- Version control and document history
- Meeting tight deadlines effectively
- Quality assurance for executive documents
- Developing executive writing style
- Building document templates and standards
- Measuring writing effectiveness
- Becoming a trusted executive writer
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