Course 2
Verbal and Written Communication
36 Hours
Learning Objectives
This course introduces students to various forms of verbal and written business communication, including letters, memoranda, summaries, and instructions. It teaches practical techniques for planning and writing reports in an effective, professional manner. Editing, spelling, grammar, and punctuation are incorporated into the course. By performing in-class assignments, students will learn to present oral reports professionally and write effectively.
- Demonstrate a positive, professional attitude through active participation and effective time management.
- Identify the audience, purpose, and significance of common business communication situations, and develop appropriate responses.
- Select and apply the appropriate format for various business communication contexts.
- Identify, understand, and create various forms of written communication, such as:
- Letters
- Memos
- Informal reports (e.g., incident, field trip, progress, project completion, lab, inspection, evaluation, investigation, feasibility study, technical proposals, addressing complaints)
- Emails
- Summaries and instructions
- Introduction and review of Verification and Annual/periodic inspection reports per ULC537 & ULC536 respectively
- Write and edit documents that are clear, grammatically and mechanically correct, and appropriate in tone.
- Apply practical techniques for planning and writing professional reports.
- Edit for readability, clarity, coherence, conciseness, active voice, unity, and overall mechanical soundness.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Develop and deliver verbal and written technical findings such as deficiencies and recommendations.
- Conduct research and accurately integrate source material into written assignments/reports.
- Follow written and verbal instructions accurately and respond effectively to questions and requests.
Textbook
Book: Northey, Margaret, and Jana Seijts: Impact! A Guide to Business Communication (Pearson Education Canada, February 15, 2023 © 2024)
This course book is available only online.
If you have opted to purchase the book with HSMC your redemption code along with instructions is provided below.
Step 1: Sign In or Create an account at www.VitalSource.com and log into your “Bookshelf”.
Step 2: Click “Redeem” in the menu bar along the top of the page.
Step 3: Add your redemption code (listed in your email) to the code box and click “Redeem”.
Step 4: Your library will update with your new book. This may take a few minutes.
Need help? Go to VitalSource’s support page: https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Topics Covered
- Chapter 1 – Thinking About Communication
- Chapter 2 – Strategies in Planning for Writing and Speaking
- Chapter 3 – Writing with Impact
- Chapter 4 – Routine and Good News Correspondence
- Chapter 5 – Bad News Correspondence
- Chapter 6 – Persuasive Writing
- Chapter 7 and 8– Reports
- Chapter 9 – Presentations and Meetings
- Chapter 10 – Résumés
- Appendix: Editing Guidelines
- Technical Writing/Reporting
Assignments
All assignments are to be emailed to your course instructor on the due dates they have indicated to you.
Evaluation
You must achieve a minimum overall grade of 60% to pass.
Your instructor will let you know when it is time to take each quiz or the final exam:
-
Participation = 20%
-
Letter: Effective Client Communications = 10%
-
Bad News: = 15%
-
Notice of Suspension = 5%
-
Internal = 5%
- Refusal = 5%
-
- Report: Persuasive Writing = 5%
- Presentation = 20%
- Resume, Cover Letter & LinkedIn Profile = 10%
- Technical Writing/Reporting = 20%
- Practical Assessment = 10%
- Quiz = 10%
Please allow 10 – 30 business days from submission date to see your grades in Moodle
Meet Your Instructors
Shervin Ghafari, Professional Communication
Shervin is a certified ESL instructor with a TESL Diploma, an IELTS Academic score of 9.0, and over a decade of teaching experience in Canada and internationally. He has guided countless learners to succeed in language proficiency exams, professional communication, and workplace integration.
At HSMC, Shervin focuses on helping fire alarm technician students strengthen essential communication skills, including professional writing, social media communication, presentations, meetings, and job search strategies. His guidance equips students with practical tools for long-term career success.
Mark Wilson, Technical Writing & Reporting
Mark Wilson is a seasoned educator and leader with over 30 years of experience training fire and life safety system professionals, building owners, and operators across Alberta and beyond. He is also an Alberta Fire Regional Manager, Red Seal–endorsed Journeyperson Electrician, and Technical Instructor for Fire Alarm Systems.
At HSMC, Mark helps students master technical writing, report preparation, client interaction, and comprehension of safety documentation. His practical, engaging lessons connect language and technical skills directly to industry requirements, preparing students to meet workplace demands with confidence.
Student LMS
HSMC uses an online Learning Management Software (LMS) called Moodle. This platform provides you with 24/7 access to your course, grades, and course information.
Please log in before your first class to ensure that your credentials are working properly. If you experience any difficulties, contact the College Registrar.
Notes:
- Username and password are provided in your email.
- If you are enrolled through your company, you will not have a Moodle account.
Join the Classroom
Online Students
If your training is listed as “Online, Instructor-Led” in your email, your training will be hosted by Zoom.
Please follow the steps below to ensure you are ready before your training starts:
Step 1: Check your Technology
- Confirm that you meet the minimum technology standards.
- Reminder: You will need to have your camera on at all times during the training.
Step 2: Set Up Your Zoom Account in Advance
- We strongly recommend that you create or sign into your Zoom account at least one to two days before your class. This will give you time to test your login, update your Zoom application if needed, and confirm that your audio and video are working correctly. For additional guidance, visit: Joining a Zoom meeting.
Step 3: Join the class on Zoom
- On the day of class, use the Zoom credentials provided in your email to join the online classroom.
In Person Students
If your training is listed as “In Person, Instructor-Led” in your email, your training is located at:
- Monte Carlo Inn, 7255 Warden Ave, Markham ON L3R 1B4
- Buttonville Room on the basement floor
On the day of your training you are required to sign in at the start time of course.
If you have not signed in, it will be assumed that you did not attend the training and will impact your attendance.
We encourage you to remain consistent with the learning path you registered for.
However, if you need to switch to a different path, please email the College Registrar 5 business days prior at with the reason for the change and the date you would like the switch to take effect.
Attendance Guidelines
As per ministry regulations, you may miss a maximum of 8 hours per course. Exceeding this limit will impact your completion.
If you will be missing course time, notify both the College Registrar and the Course Instructor as soon as possible.
If you are unable to take a scheduled quiz or test, you will need to reschedule on a day during the week with the College Registrar to take the quiz or test, prior to your next course training.
You cannot miss more than
8 Hours Per Course
Exceeding this limit will prevent you from completing the program.
Course Payment Reminder
Prior to the start of your course, please ensure your payment is completed according to the schedule listed on page 5 of your contract.
Credit Card Payments
If you have submitted a credit card authorization form, your deposit will be processed up to the day before your course begins.
Electronic Money Transfer (EMT)
Send your payment to:
Note: This does not apply to private corporate students.
Payments must be received by Friday at 10 AM EST prior to your course start.
If payment is not received in time you will not be able to join the classroom.
Receiving Your Certificate & Transcript
Upon successful completion of all your training, your Record of Completion certificate and Transcript will be sent to you via email.
- Please allow 10 – 15 business days after program completion.
Support Services
We are here to support you every step of the way. Depending on your needs, please connect with the right person.
Academic Support
For questions about your course, and classroom learning.
- Reach out to your Course Instructor
- Sat-Sun: 9AM – 6PM EST (During class time)
Stay Connected
Get the latest fire alarm training tips, industry insights, and networking opportunities.
Your next opportunity could be just one click away!