Report Writing WEEK 8 BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS Report Writing

Report Writing WEEK 8– BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

Report Writing Common Uses Reports are commonly used for organizing information related to: • Trends • Data • Context • Events • Discoveries • Results

Direct Strategies Informational Reports Format Analytical Reports Format Introduction / Problem Background / Facts/ Findings Conclusion / Recommendations Summary Facts / Findings Discussion/ Analysis

Indirect Strategy Analytical Reports Format Introduction / Problem Conclusion / Recommendations Facts / Findings Discussion/ Analysis Summary

Strategy Selections The strategy for your report depends on the audience. Is your audience informed about your topic? Are they eager to get the results? Are they generally supportive? If these are true choose a direct strategy. If they are not use the indirect strategy.

General Tips for Report Writing • Use plain and professional language. • Avoid jargon. • Limit editorializing. Keep to the facts. • Use 12 pt standard font. • Include headings and subheadings to divide content into clear sections. • Separate paragraphs using white space. • Use diagrams, charts, graphs to explain where text is difficult to understand.

Discussion Posting Look at two reports found in Chapter 7 of the Management Communications textbook. Consider the following questions as you review: What is the report about? Who is the audience are they external, internal or both? What structure was used in this report (direct or indirect? ) If direct it is analytical or informative? How do you know? Comment on specific formatting used in the report. Comment on any charts or graphics used and why the author chose those elements. Post your findings about one of the reports in the discussion area. Comment on two other postings made by your colleagues.