Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some questions that clients frequently ask. If you would like additional information please contact us at info@formativecoms.com

• What topics and skills are covered in your management and communications training programmes?

We offer management and communications training in four areas. Management training, communications skills (presentations, public speaking), writing skills (writing with AI), and strategic communications.

• Is the training delivered online, in person, or as a hybrid format?

We offer in-person, online and hybrid training to suit your preferences and schedule. We often  start with a workshop in person and follow up online.

• How long do courses and webinars typically last?

Our in-person courses are usually half a day or a full day. We often run 2-hour online  workshops and 1-hour webinars. But it’s up to you. We can schedule the sessions as you wish.

• Who are your trainers and what experience do they have?

Our trainers are experienced communicators, management consultants, journalists and public relations specialists. They all have considerable experience in training, advising and coaching a wide range of clients from international organisations.

• Do you offer training in languages other than English?

We can offer the majority of our training in French, and selected courses in Dutch, German and Spanish.

• What is included in a training package (resources, evaluation, feedback, etc.)?

We provide a comprehensive package of pre-course reading materials, workshop tasks, cheat sheets and e-resources that are tailored to your organisation.  

• How do you tailor training to suit different organisations and roles?

We do this through briefing meetings with HR, Learning and Development or Communications departments. We also do background research on your organisation and key issues. We make sure that we understand your organisation’s values.

• What is your process for needs analysis and programme design?

We ask learners to complete an online pre-course questionnaire. We sometime ask learners to send us samples of their writing or a presentation. We can also run pre-training entry interviews. But mostly, we talk with HR or other departments who want to see results.

• How do participants receive feedback on their writing and presentation skills?

We provide formative assessment of participants’ performance – hence the name Formative Communications. This includes detailed feedback on writing with tracked changes comments. We video record presentations or media interviews and provide detailed recommendations that participants can continue to learn from.

• What measurable outcomes or improvements can clients expect?

Participants should perform better and with more confidence. In management this means using modern business methods to manage, delegate, give feedback and build teams. In communications this is confident speaking and writing with clarity and precision.

• How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your training?

We either provide our own feedback evaluation forms or work with yours. We also take temperature at the end of workshops and follow up with HR or heads of departments.

• Who are some of your recent clients or case studies?

We are trusted by international organisations, corporate clients and consultancies, governments, trade associations, NGOs and universities.  

• How do you handle confidentiality and sensitive company information during training? 

We treat the information from clients with utmost confidentiality. We normally sign an NDA and we ensure that any potential sensitive information is deleted.

• Do you offer open registrations courses? Can I enrol myself on a course?

All of our training programmes are tailor-made to the organisations which request them. This means that we not have a calendar of open registration courses for individuals.