In a fast-paced professional world, credibility matters — and a well-written white paper is still one of the most effective tools for demonstrating thought leadership, shaping internal strategy, and influencing external stakeholders.
This focused, four-hour workshop is designed to demystify the process of writing powerful white papers, from identifying a compelling topic to presenting your case with clarity, evidence, and authority.
Participants will learn to combine traditional writing skills with the latest AI-assisted tools to enhance efficiency without sacrificing rigour. Whether you’re writing for clients, boards, or broader audiences, this session equips you with practical skills you can apply immediately.
At Progress Training, we tailor every course to the roles, needs, and contexts of our participants. Our facilitators bring current, hands-on experience and ensure learning is relevant, dynamic, and high impact.
Key Learning Features
- Understand what a white paper is — and what it absolutely isn’t
- Learn the anatomy of a strong white paper: structure, flow, and logic
- Discover techniques to grab and hold your reader’s attention
- Use high-quality sources to build credibility and authority
- Work with generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) — responsibly and effectively
- Sharpen editing, structuring, and prompt-engineering skills
- Engage in peer-based activities, exercises, and role-play
- Walk away with templates, tools, and real-world examples you can use right away
This course is ideal for:
- Directors expected to write or sponsor white papers
- Professionals contributing to internal or client-facing thought leadership
- Subject matter experts who need to translate insights into persuasive writing
- Anyone wanting to refine their written influence and communication impact
By the end of this course, you’ll:
- Know what separates a white paper from other forms of content
- Be able to structure and edit a white paper with confidence
- Use AI tools like ChatGPT to support, not sabotage, your writing
- Understand how to research, cite, and position your arguments persuasively
- Know how to avoid the traps of jargon, vagueness, and “AI-speak”
- Take away practical tips, exercises, and checklists for ongoing improvement
Course Content Overview
Understanding the White Paper
- What makes a white paper different from reports, blogs, or proposals?
- Typical use cases: from client advocacy to internal influence
- What to avoid: common traps and ineffective formats
Anatomy of a White Paper
- The core elements: title, abstract, introduction, body, and conclusion
- Crafting a clear argument with structure and flow
- Tone, evidence, and visuals: matching your audience’s expectations
Research and Credibility
- Finding and citing world-class sources
- Balancing original insights with external validation
- AI-generated content: ethics, perception, and polish
Writing with ChatGPT
- Smart prompting: how to get the output you actually need
- Editing for voice, tone, and logical consistency
- Avoiding hallucinations and ensuring factual accuracy
- Using AI checkers and editors for final polish
Peer Collaboration and Feedback
- Review real examples of white papers: the good, the bad, and the ugly
- Work in pairs and teams to refine outlines and opening sections
- Get real-time feedback from the group and facilitator
Our Delivery Promise
Small group size, expert facilitation, and practical activities mean every participant gets hands-on experience and individual attention. We ensure every session is directly relevant to your role — and never generic. All tools, examples, and case studies will be drawn from real-world business writing scenarios.
Duration: 2 days face to face
Delivered London, Leeds, Edinburgh or on site
CPD Accreditation
Delegates can showcase their expertise with our industry-recognized certificates, complete with shareable LinkedIn digital badges and verified CPD points – demonstrating their commitment to professional excellence.