This detailed course will help you to write reports that are clear, impressive and
successful. It describes a five-stage approach that will simplify your task whatever
type of report you are preparing.
Planning is the key to success, so the course shows you how to clarify your
objectives, draw up an outline and organise your information. It also gives guidance
on constructing arguments, preparing summaries and writing recommendations. Plain
English, essential grammar, and editing techniques are also covered, to ensure that
you have the full range of skills to produce reports that are professional and
contemporary.
Your course manual - the Desktop Guide to Report Writing - will become a valuable
reference book when you return to the office. It describes all the topics in
detail and includes quick-reference sections and useful checklists. You will also
be entitled to one year of post-course support via e-mail, giving you access
to further help and advice.
The details
Summary
1 day
9.30 am–5.00 pm
Small groups
Certificates
A year of free support
£395.00 + VAT
A 20% discount is available to charities and local authorities
"Probably the best course I have attended. It was clear, well structured and delivered at the right pace. The exercises really brought it alive."
Mark Gormley
Head of Asset Management
The Guinness Partnership
Locations and dates
Course programme
Morning session
An overview of report writing
The value of reports as business tools
The types of reports
The secrets of success
The five-stage approach to effective report writing:
1. Clarifying the objectives
2. Researching
3. Planning
4. Writing
5. Editing and proofreading
Getting the objectives clear
Defining the scope and purpose of the report
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
Finalising your outline
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 in 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
Afternoon session
Writing recommendations
Linking your recommendations to your findings
Sorting and ordering your recommendations
Giving your opinions in a clear but balanced way
Being brief
Writing a summary
Understanding the purpose of a summary
Writing it last
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 reader will respond with interest and action
Correcting grammar and punctuation
The good grammar guide
Punctuation - a refresher course
Proofreading your report
Key proofreading techniques
Correcting inconsistencies - following corporate style
Summary
