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