REPORT WRITING –

        Report writing can be an interesting and exhilarating experience  – it’s your chance to help bring about change if you write clearly and present it well.

        It is not a difficult if it is broken down into small tasks.

A handful of tips to help you present a good report

* Before you start ask for clear terms of reference

* Collect all  relevant information and arrange in a logical order

        Check your facts for accuracy. Don’t confuse facts and opinions. If it is a fact say so: if it is an opinion assess it at its face value.

* Draft the body of your report

        Set it out clearly using headings and sub-headings. (Relevant supporting material goes into the annex or appendix.)

Then emphasise your important findings, facts and recommendations. 

* Write the abstract (or summary) last

        Make sure your conclusions and recommendations are simple and clear.

* Use a traditional layout style for a well set out and comprehensive report

        Time is valuable to top management so keep your report brief, to the point, factual and easy to read.

Use short sentences and basic English.

        1. Title

        2. Table of contents

        3. Abstract (or summary)

        4. Introduction

        5. Main body

        6. Conclusions

        7. Recommendations

        8. Acknowledgements

       9. References

        10. Appendices (or annexes)

* PRESENTING IT

        After submitting your report, make  an appointment to discuss it with the people who asked you to carry out the report – your initiators.

        Make a strong presentations to support your recommendations.

Be prepared to answer questions.

–Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“By presenting a sound, clear case, you can help bring about change.”

For detailed amplification of  report writing see our books “Time-Savers” and “Persuasive Ways”.  Also published by Cengage Learning Asia as “Time Management Secrets” and “Secrets of Persuasion”. These last two books are available as e-books from Amazon.com.