Introduction to writing for IR (Online)
This hands-on course is designed for IR and corporate communications professionals who want to improve their writing within a corporate context. This full-day workshop will help you to write impactful IR communications, using case studies to ensure your key messages are delivered to the market consistently and aligned to your core company narrative.
What will I gain?
- Insight into how to deliver key messages to the market consistently
- Understanding effective messaging via press releases, factsheets, websites and annual reports
- Practical examples of dos and dont's when communicating with stakeholders
- Insights into writing for social media communications
Course tutor: Jon Harris

Jon’s unique background means that he is ideally suited to helping professionals develop their writing skills. Jon is a Cambridge English graduate, a qualified teacher of adults and an Associate Tutor at Goldsmiths University, where he teaches management at BA and MA level, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and requirements for effective business writing. He has been commissioned by several IR teams to assist in writing critical communications at times of significant change and has lots of experience helping businesses frame and couch language for both internal and external communications. He has delivered writing skills training for the IR Society for several years and has also trained special-interest professional groups in writing skills, including banks, regulators and government departments. Jon is also a qualified business psychologist and a chartered management accountant.
Programme
- Welcome, introduction, objectives and quiz
- The 10 Principles of Getting Your Message Across
- How to select the best words and avoid the worst ones – part 1
- How to select the best words and avoid the worst ones – part 2
- Some “Don’ts” for Press Releases, and some examples
- Developing social media communications – quick thoughts
- Case Study 1: constructing a Chair/CEO letter
- Case Study 2: working at speed (short break during this section)
- Own material, resource swaps, ideas and next steps
- Summary and evaluation