{"id":1353,"date":"2015-12-10T14:20:53","date_gmt":"2015-12-10T14:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpblog.indigobusiness.co.uk\/?p=1353"},"modified":"2023-07-19T14:53:16","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T14:53:16","slug":"stand-out-reports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpblog.indigobusiness.co.uk\/stand-out-reports\/","title":{"rendered":"Stand out reports"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you hate writing reports, yet find you are writing more and more of them? We\u2019ve been working with business professionals to improve their written communication skills for nearly 15 years. By listening to the challenges and objectives of our Writing Dynamics™<\/a> delegates we\u2019ve developed the following \u2018Seven Steps To Stand Out Reports\u2019.<\/p>\n

Seven steps to stand out reports<\/h2>\n

Step 1: Reason<\/strong> \u2013 Make sure you understand why you are writing the report. What are its aims and objectives? What is its purpose? Is it to inform or advise? Is it reporting on the past or projecting into the future? Is it trying to educate or illicit a decision?<\/p>\n

Step 2: Explore<\/strong> \u2013 Do you really understand the reason for the report? Research all the information you require to be able to write: the facts; the figures; the quotes; and the expertise \u2013 this will help you to paint a picture of the content you need to portray.<\/p>\n

You can also explore \u2018how\u2019, or the \u2018process\u2019 you are going use, to write your report effectively. Writing<\/span> Dyna<\/span>mics™<\/span><\/a>, developed by professional writers, will teach you the way to plan, draft and edit \u2013 find out more at www.indigobusiness.co.uk\/wdyn<\/a><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve gathered everything you need together, you are ready to start writing.<\/p>\n

Step 3: People<\/strong> \u2013 Who is the target (who is the report going to be read by)? Who are your stakeholders<\/a> (anyone who has an interest in the report \u2013 not necessarily the intended reader)? Think internally and externally to the organisation. Don\u2019t forget to think of who you may need to go to for help and guidance \u2013 especially if you are not an expert in the subject matter.<\/p>\n

Try to get into the mind of your reader (audience). Will they understand jargon or internal language? Do you need to add any supplemental information and proof that you may have found in your \u2018Explore\u2019 step? Think of the process you may need to follow to get them to read your report. Will they fully read it? Or skim? What sort of images, tables or diagrams should you include to reinforce your content?<\/p>\n

Step 4: Outline<\/strong> \u2013 Formal or informal? Are you adding appendices? How much is your reader\u00a0likely to want to read? Maintaining a simple structure will ensure your reader understands what you are trying to say!<\/p>\n

Step 5: Reader<\/strong> \u2013 It is really important to keep your reader in mind when writing. Try to think about any major objections or questions that could arise and try to provide responses to overcome these.<\/p>\n

If you plan effectively, Writing Dynamics™<\/span><\/a> teaches techniques like a cluster (we used a cluster to develop this article \u2013 see below), you can ensure that you stay on track, on target and on time! You\u2019ll also ensure that all of your ideas are down on paper before you start to write.<\/p>\n

\"Stand<\/a>

The Writing Dynamics ‘cluster’ used to plan this article.<\/p><\/div>\n

Step 6: Tailor<\/strong> –\u00a0Shape your report with the reader\u00a0in mind and don\u2019t use words or jargon that they won\u2019t understand. It should flow from start to finish and point-to-point without causing confusion.<\/p>\n

Is there a certain house or brand style that you should be adopting? This can also refer to tone of voice as well as look and feel.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget spelling, punctuation and grammar is important. It is best to get someone else to proof your report, you\u2019ll need to set them clear objectives when they do.<\/p>\n

Step 7: Share<\/strong> \u2013 Firstly review your final draft: is your report meeting its aims and objectives; is it written so that the target reader will be able to understand and digest it; is it on brand; and are all fonts the same and images readable? When you are happy with the final version \u2013 send!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s always a good idea to gain feedback from the person who set the original task, you may even get some feedback from your reader(s) \u2013 take this on-board and use it to improve your process for next time.<\/p>\n

Improve your writing with Writing Dynamics™<\/h2>\n

Report writing is just one of the business writing skills our delegates improve from attending Writing Dynamics™<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s our practical two day writing workshop that\u2019s been written by award-winning writers. It provides you with a clear process to follow and all the necessary tools and techniques you require to write with clarity, brevity and impact.<\/p>\n