The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

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280 / SPEAKING AND WRITING

Writing reports


Reports are longer and more comprehensive than most documents,
and are written for the purpose of documenting actions, describing
projects and events, and capturing information on complex issues.
They are often written by more than one person for audiences with
multiple needs and interests.

INCLUDE A
COVER LETTER
As a courtesy to your reader,
always include a cover letter
to accompany the report,
explaining what the report
covers and why. Where
appropriate, include the
report’s most important
recommendations or findings.

Planning your report Tip
There are three main questions to
consider when compiling a report:


  • Who is in your audience? Think
    about their level of interest in the
    content, and their familiarity with
    the issues, ideas, and vocabulary
    you plan to use.

  • What is the ideal format? Consider
    how your readers will use the
    document—will they start from
    the beginning and read through
    page by page, or will they skip to
    sections that interest them most?

  • Is the document properly^
    organized? Consider using a
    bold typeface for headings and
    subheadings to help organize the
    information and make it retrievable.


Writing the report
Reports are divided into three
sections: front matter (including
title page, abstract, table of contents,
and list of figures and tables), the
main body of the report, and end
matter (bibliography, appendices,
glossary, and index). Begin the
main body with an executive
summary, detailing the report’s
key points and recommendations.
Busy executives may only read
this section, so it must tell them
all they need to know in order
for them to agree with your
recommendations.

Busy business leaders may


only read the executive
summary of a report, so

it must tell them all they
need to know in order for

them to understand
your recommendations

US_280-281_Writing_Reports.indd 280 31/05/16 5:29 pm

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