How to: write a business report

Use graphs and charts to give your reports  a visual appeal, because a  good design of  routine business documents helps readers to easily

• access
• navigate
• remember

the information, given in the report.


Objectives

• What information do you want to communicate ?
• What decisions are needed ?

Research

• facts must be based on reliable information sources.
• Include information sources in detail

Format

Use a generally accepted format for the report like:

• title page
• executive summary
• methodology  (how conclusions were reached)
• introduction
• main text
• conclusions

recommendations and references

• use headings in the main text of the report

Outline and Draft

• Use a mind mapping program, to develop a clear Outline
• write all text in the mind mapping software ( in the notes )
• transfer the mind map to a text program
• add diagrams, tables and photos to the report and format it
• use a spell checker and a grammar checker
• carefully read the report twice
• use a text to voice program, to hear your text
• discuss your report with others

final design of the report

• Leave plenty of white space, with one-inch margins all around.
• leave space around visuals
• break up the report with headings, charts, graphs and photos