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Workshop Duration

1 Day

Overview

The value of reports as management tools
The types of reports
The secrets of success

The five-stage approach to effective report writing:

  • Clarifying the objectives
  • Researching
  • Planning
  • Writing
  • Editing and proofreading

Course Content

Getting the objectives clear

  • Working with stakeholders to clarify needs and objectives
  • Writing a statement of objectives
  • Using your statement to focus your research

Planning before you write

  • The importance of planning
  • Preparing an outline
  • Anticipating and answering possible objections
  • Identifying the readers’ needs
  • Selecting the best tone and style

Structuring your text

  • Why structure matters
  • Essential principles – a clear message and a logical flow
  • Models for structuring information reports
  • Models for structuring research reports
  • Using a template

Constructing an argument

  • Techniques for forming arguments and building your case
  • Finding the words that will help you achieve your objectives

Following the principles of ‘plain English’

  • Writing for the reader
  • Using a clear, straightforward style
  • Getting to the point and being succinct
  • Avoiding ambiguity and errors of argument
  • Using appropriate headings in a clear hierarchy
  • Using tables and diagrams to aid understanding
  • Using bullet points to simplify or summarise

Writing an executive summary

  • Understanding the purpose of a summary
  • Choosing the appropriate structure
  • Knowing what to include and what to leave out

Editing your draft

  • A review of editing techniques
  • Improving the structure
  • Questioning coverage and completeness
  • Ensuring the company’s brand and reputation are protected

Proofreading your report

  • Key proofreading techniques
  • Correcting inconsistencies and applying corporate style
  • Spotting errors

Further development

  • Reference sources
  • Post-course support