Gives the reader and immediate sense of what the report is all about
1. You are writing an analytical report on the Canadian sales of your company’s newest product (you can decide on product). Of the following topics, identify what section of the report should include each topic. Briefly explain your decisions.
Ashford University. (2019). Integrating research. The writing center . Retrieved January, 19, 2019, from https://content.bridgepointeducation.com/curriculum/file/5408ee9b-e793-44d5-8a4d-e54bc6e72f74/1/Integrating%20Research.zip/story_html5.html
Ashford University. (2019). APA in-text citation helper. The writing center . Retrieved January, 19, 2019, from https://content.bridgepointeducation.com/curriculum/file/9fce9d11-3298-48ef-ac77-12fe7d5c0577/1/In-Text%20Citation%20Helper%20A%20Guide%20to%20Making%20APA%20In-Text%20Citations.zip/story_html5.html
A Research Guide. (2019). How to create an appendix: A guide . Retrieved January 19, 2020, from https://www.aresearchguide.com/make-an-appendix.html
Edraw. (2019). Improve business reports with charts and graphs . Retrieved January 19, 2020, from https://www.edrawsoft.com/improve-business-reports.html
Guffey, M., Loewry, D., & Griffin, E. (2019). Business communication: Process and product (6th ed.). Toronto, ON: Nelson Education. Retrieved from http://www.cengage.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=9780176531393&template=NELSON
Meyer, C. (2017). Communicating for results (4th ed.). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://oup-arc.com/access/meyer-4e-student-resources#tag_case-studies
Monash University. (2018). Conclusions and Recommendations. Research and learning online . Retrieved January 19, 2020, from https://www.monash.edu/rlo/assignment-samples/engineering/eng-writing-technical-reports/conclusions-and-recommendations
Thill, V, J., Bovee, C, L., Keller, W, I., & Moran, K, M. (2019). Excellence in business communications (6th ed.). Pearson Canada Inc.
UniLearing (2000). Examples of introduction sections. Report writing . Retrieved January 19, 2010, from https://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/4biii1.html
UniLearing (2000). Good and poor examples of executive summaries. Report writing . Retrieved January 19, 2010, from https://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/4bi1.html
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2020). Abstracts. The writing center . Retrieved Janauary 19, 2020, from https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/abstracts/
University of Tasmania. (2018). Statement of purpose. Accounting communication matters. Retrieved January 19, 2020, from https://www.utas.edu.au/accounting-communication-matters/writing-an-essay-or-report/starting-to-write/statement-of-purpose
Wordvice Editing Service. (2018). Writing the results section of research papers. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=gm9t6WYBSuI&feature=emb_logo
WHO. (2011). Executive summary. Writing effectively for WHO. Retrieved January 19, 2020, from http://colelearning.net/who/module3/page45.html
WHO. (2011). Report conclusion. Writing effectively for WHO. Retrieved January 19, 2020, from http://colelearning.net/who/module3/page40.html
Communication at Work Copyright © 2019 by Jordan Smith is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
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If we are what we repeatedly do, then consultants are report presentations. In the words of veteran consultant John Kim , “If you cannot put together a well-structured, persuasive, and visual presentation… you won’t be a management consultant for long.”
Unfortunately, over 90% of consultant report presentations fail to make an impact, either because they don’t have enough content, have too much content, are unstructured, lack persuasiveness or in all honesty, are just plain boring.
You can know your data inside and out, and you couldn’t have a firmer grasp on the industry, but no matter how prepared or well-researched you are – even one bad slide can ruin great content. Not to mention, a poorly designed presentation can literally cost your department and your organization over $100,000 per year (conversely, a well-design presentation earns you significant advantages).
The good news is that you don’t need a swanky suite of tools or a big design team to overhaul your reports – there are tons of free and online resources for creating interesting, compelling, and seriously persuasive reports. Just sign up for a free Piktochart account and use any of the available slides templates to start easily.
So while the pyramid principle remains one of the best ways for structuring your presentation content, in this article we provide other top tips and insights you can use to create powerful slides that speak to your audience through 25 best practice examples.
1. achieving digital maturity: adapting your company to a changing world by deloitte.
Click to view SlideShare
This deck ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to giving tips for powerful presentations. This report consists of an absolutely brilliant use of data visualization , a subtle “progress bar” at the top that reminds the audience which part of the presentation they’re at, and concise summaries accompanying each infographic. Here at Piktochart, it’s certainly one of the best report presentations we’ve swooned over in a while.
There is an overwhelming amount of data here, but McKinsey does a commendable job of keeping it engaging with clear summaries and good-looking infographics (slides 30 & 42). Some slides might feel a bit more cramped than others (slide 41–49), but when creating your own reports you should try to save these huge chunks of data for an article or whitepaper that a client can download and peruse at their own leisure. Your presentation should only contain the highlights.
You’ll appreciate the brilliance of this presentation even more when you see the original . Instead of just inserting data in its raw form as graphs or tables, Stinson transforms their findings into something more graphic and appealing. The rest of the report also takes on a less-is-more principle, distilling only the most important points that would matter to the client – not the presenter.
Leanplum only presents one point per slide, making their presentation supremely easy to follow along with (despite having 105 slides!). While they do use traditional line graphs and bar charts, they also find unconventional ways to illustrate their data (slides 71–77) or slip in nuggets of data that don’t detract from the main point (slides 52–53) – they use data to back their insights, rather than make the data the focus of the slide.
5. findings on health information technology and electronic health records by deloitte.
Make use of white space and clean graphics to get your point across more effectively. This consulting deck does what most report presentations neglect, which is to highlight key takeaways (and bolding the important points) to avoid cluttering the audience with too much information.
Clean and simple, each slide in this presentation has a clear focus, enhanced by the use of one question per slide and accompanying minimalist-style icons . It’s one of the easiest styles to replicate, and can be used strategically at certain portions of your presentation where you want to remove distraction and place emphasis on certain messages.
7. global retail trends 2018 by kpmg.
Crisp and clear, the choice of sans serif fonts keeps your report looking sleek, modern, and supremely legible when presenting. While your choice of font may be constricted by brand guidelines or house style, regardless, a good rule of thumb in your report presentation is to use clear, minimally-styled fonts so your message doesn’t get lost in a web of visual distraction.
8. how to use weflive 2017 by kpmg.
This presentation has been viewed over 87,500 times, making it a great example of what works in an educational deck. The use of screengrabs gives both current and potential clients better recognition of your services or products. It’s also been proven that visual elements attract clients better.
Smart use of custom illustrations and images helps audiences to instantly identify with each pain point. Good, relevant visuals amplify your message because they elicit emotional responses, helping your audience retain key points.
The first half of the presentation has a strong storytelling quality bolstered by great illustrations to help set up the second half – where the important data is presented. Our brains process images faster than words, so this is a good hack to getting messages across more effectively.
11. trends in people analytics by pwc.
Having a table of contents to display on the side of the slide helps prevent audience fatigue – often when a presentation is too long, the audience’s retention rate starts to slip. A “tracking” tool like this can serve as a visual cue so that your audience knows where they are, and what they can expect next.
There is a clear flow to this presentation – it starts with introducing some key statistics, which eventually leads up to why these statistics matter, and ends with what the proposed solution is. It’s all very organized. Another great thing about this presentation is that it uses graphics to reinforce, not distract from, its key points (slides 22–29).
13. moving digital transformation forward: findings from the 2016 digital business global executive study and research report by mitsloan + deloitte digital.
This is an all-around stellar presentation, which makes use of an active voice (“we did this…”, “we found this…”, “my digital strategy is…”) to better connect with the audience. The use of conversational copy, straightforward messages, and a consistent aesthetic theme make this one of our favorite report presentations to share with our users.
At strategic points in this long presentation, polls are taken to keep the audience engaged and give them a break from information overload. By asking them to reflect on their current status and thoughts, they are “primed” into receiving what the presenter next has to say.
This is another example of keeping your audience engaged through the use of questions (slides 2, 3 & 7). The questions’ tone and voice were also creatively and intelligently crafted because it uses FOMO (fear of missing out) to ensure customers want to listen.
16. a step-by-step overview of a typical cybersecurity attack—and how companies can protect themselves by mckinsey.
The title speaks for itself – breaking down your solution step-by-step is one of the best ways to create an effective presentation . The smart use of “hit or myth?” in each of its slides also gets the audience to reflect on their own experiences and (potentially false) impressions of the industry.
There is a lot to say in this presentation about the findings and impact of IoT on various industries, but Deloitte presents it in a way that keeps it relevant – by using a question-and-answer format that works to connect rather than alienate the audience.
This is a prime example of how you can capitalize on the “listicle” style of writing to present your main points with supreme clarity and persuasiveness. Notice that each of the 10 steps is supplemented by key statistics? That’s how you can add weight to what you’re saying without overloading the audience with too many graphs and data charts.
19. putting digital technology and data to work for tech cmos by pwc.
What makes a great consultant is his or her ability to go beyond surface data to give customers real, actionable insight. Not only does this presentation by PwC provide step-by-step recommendations (slides 15–18), but it uses real case studies and testimonials to boost credibility and illustrate value.
Identified an issue? Great. Worked out a solution? Even better. This presentation breaks down its proposed solution through one message per slide, punctuated by a relevant graphic that reinforces its key point. It’s clean, clear, and effective.
Personalization works in every industry. The next time you prepare a presentation , think about how you can give tailored advice to the unique stakeholders involved (slides 30–33).
22. six behavioral economics lessons for the workplace by deloitte.
There’s a reason why TED talks are only 18 minutes or less – any longer and the speaker will lose the audience’s attention. Taking this advice, keep your report presentations short whenever possible. This example by Deloitte depicts a smart way to keep things bite-sized yet meaty, and also publicizes all your white papers and articles in one place.
This compact presentation is a great example of how to summarize all your key findings in less than 10 slides. When you force yourself to reduce clutter, you start being more discerning about what you include. Remember, what you find interesting may not be the same as what the audience finds relevant. Don’t get too attached, and be prepared to edit down.
Try using a report presentation as a “preview” for your full suite of business services. This way, you summarize your best points to potential clients, and if what you’ve said interests them enough, they will be more invested in a follow-up meeting.
The key to doing this successfully, however, is that whatever few points you choose to present need to be accompanied by some form of tailored business solution or insight into their specific needs.
25. european family business trends: modern times by kpmg.
It seems obvious, but you would be surprised how many times consultants neglect to put their profile image and professional business contact information at the end of each report.
There are many reasons to do so, but most importantly, it helps your potential business client remember you better. The truth is, we remember faces better than names, and adding this information allows them to reach out if they’re interested in a follow-up oppurtunity.
“Simplified and impressive reporting in one landscape. Quick templates are present for impressive graphical visualizations! Ease of use, upload and export options.” – Derrick Keith, Associate Consultant at KPMG Easily create reports , infographics , posters , brochures , and more with Piktochart. Sign up for free .
Clarity of thought translates directly into how succinct your presentation comes off. A key presentation design tip is that your slide deck should always be the last thing you tackle – structure and story come first. It may not be that surprising of a reveal if we were to tell you: The elements that make a business consultant’s report presentation great are almost the same that make any presentation great.
At the end of the day, keep your audience at the center, be creative and thoughtful of their needs; use design and visuals to your advantage and integrate them early on, not as an afterthought. And remember: Even with more options, sometimes, less is more.
Now that you’re thoroughly inspired and well-versed in report presentation creation, it’s time to make your own using the tips from this article. At Piktochart, we have a handful of slick and highly customizable templates to help you create impactful report presentations. Just search in our reports and presentation templates database and take a look at a few examples below.
3. monthly progress report template, 4. client research report template.
7. email campaign report template.
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Jane Ng • 05 April, 2024 • 9 min read
Is it difficult to start of presentation? You're standing before a room full of eager listeners, ready to share your knowledge and captivate their attention. But where do you begin? How do you structure your ideas and convey them effectively?
Take a deep breath, and fear not! In this article, we'll provide a road map on how to write a presentation covering everything from crafting a script to creating an engaging introduction.
So, let's dive in!
What is a presentation , what should be in a powerful presentation.
Tips for better presentation.
Get free templates for your next interactive presentation. Sign up for free and take what you want from the template library!
How long does it take to make a presentation? | 20 - 60 hours. |
How can I improve my presentation writing? | Minimize text, optimize visuals, and one idea per slide. |
Presentations are all about connecting with your audience.
Presenting is a fantastic way to share information, ideas, or arguments with your audience. Think of it as a structured approach to effectively convey your message. And you've got options such as slideshows, speeches, demos, videos, and even multimedia presentations!
The purpose of a presentation can vary depending on the situation and what the presenter wants to achieve.
That sounds brilliant. But, how to write a presentation?
To successfully convey your message to your audience, you must carefully craft and organize your presentation script. Here are steps on how to write a presentation script:
Strong opening.
Start with an engaging opening that grabs the audience's attention and introduces your topic. Some types of openings you can use are:
Clearly state your main points or key ideas that you will discuss throughout the presentation.
Remember to organize your content logically and coherently, ensuring smooth transitions between sections.
You can conclude with a strong closing statement summarizing your main points and leaving a lasting impression. Example: "As we conclude our presentation, it's clear that... By...., we can...."
Once you've outlined your presentation, you need to edit your sentences. Use clear and straightforward language to ensure your message is easily understood.
Alternatively, you can break down complex ideas into simpler concepts and provide clear explanations or examples to aid comprehension.
Use supporting materials such as statistics, research findings, or real-life examples to back up your points and make them more compelling.
Incorporate interactive elements to engage your audience, such as Q&A sessions , conducting live polls, or encouraging participation. You can also spin more funs into group, by randomly dividing people into different groups to get more diverse feedbacks!
You can share your script or deliver a practice presentation to a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor to gather feedback on your script and make adjustments accordingly.
More on Script Presentation
How to write presentations that are engaging and visually appealing? Looking for introduction ideas for the presentation? As mentioned earlier, once you have completed your script, it's crucial to focus on editing and refining the most critical element—the opening of your presentation - the section that determines whether you can captivate and retain your audience's attention right from the start.
Here is a guide on how to craft an opening that grabs your audience's attention from the very first minute:
To begin, you can choose from five different openings mentioned in the script based on your desired purpose and content. Alternatively, you can opt for the approach that resonates with you the most, and instills your confidence. Remember, the key is to choose a starting point that aligns with your objectives and allows you to deliver your message effectively.
Then you should establish the topic of your presentation and explain why it is important or relevant to your audience. Connect the topic to their interests, challenges, or aspirations to create a sense of relevance.
Clearly articulate the purpose or goal of your presentation. Let the audience know what they can expect to gain or achieve by listening to your presentation.
Give a brief overview of the main points or sections you will cover in your presentation. It helps the audience understand the structure and flow of your presentation and creates anticipation.
Share your expertise or credentials related to the topic to build trust with the audience, such as a brief personal story, relevant experience, or mentioning your professional background.
Connect emotional levels with your audience by appealing to their aspirations, fears, desires, or values. They help create a deeper connection and engagement from the very beginning.
Make sure your introduction is concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations. Aim for clarity and brevity to maintain the audience's attention.
For example, Topic: Work-life balance
"Good morning, everyone! Can you imagine waking up each day feeling energized and ready to conquer both your personal and professional pursuits? Well, that's exactly what we'll explore today – the wonderful world of work-life balance. In a fast-paced society where work seems to consume every waking hour, it's vital to find that spot where our careers and personal lives harmoniously coexist. Throughout this presentation, we'll dive into practical strategies that help us achieve that coveted balance, boost productivity, and nurture our overall well-being.
But before we dive in, let me share a bit about my journey. As a working professional and a passionate advocate for work-life balance, I have spent years researching and implementing strategies that have transformed my own life. I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you today, with the hope of inspiring positive change and creating a more fulfilling work-life balance for everyone in this room. So, let's get started!"
🎉 Check out: How to Start a Presentation?
Whether you're a seasoned speaker or new to the stage, understanding how to write a presentation that conveys your message effectively is a valuable skill. By following the steps in this guide, you can become a captivating presenter and make your mark in every presentation you deliver.
Additionally, AhaSlides can significantly enhance your presentation's impact. With AhaSlides, you can use live polls , quizzes , and word cloud to turn your presentation into an engaging and interactive experience. Let's take a moment to explore our vast template library !
How to write a presentation step by step .
You can refer to our step-by-step guide on How To Write A Presentation Script: Understand Your Purpose and Audience Outline the Structure of Your Presentation Craft Clear and Concise Sentences Use Visual Aids and Supporting Material Include Engagement Techniques Rehearse and Revise Seek Feedback
You can start with an engaging opening that grabs the audience's attention and introduces your topic. Consider using one of the following approaches: Start with a Thought-Provoking Question: "Have you ever...?" Begin with a Surprising Fact or Statistic: "Did you know that....?" Use a Powerful Quote: "As Maya Angelou once said,...." Tell a Compelling Story : "Picture this: You're standing at...." Start with a Bold Statement: "In the fast-paced digital age...."
When it comes to presentation writing, a typical presentation consists of the following five parts: Introduction: Capturing the audience's attention, introducing yourself, stating the purpose, and providing an overview. Main Body: Presenting main points, evidence, examples, and arguments. Visual Aids: Using visuals to enhance understanding and engage the audience. Conclusion: Summarizing main points, restating key message, and leaving a memorable takeaway or call to action. Q&A or Discussion: Optional part for addressing questions and encouraging audience participation.
A writer who wants to create practical and valuable content for the audience
Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia
Princeton Correspondents on Undergraduate Research
Turning a research paper into a visual presentation is difficult; there are pitfalls, and navigating the path to a brief, informative presentation takes time and practice. As a TA for GEO/WRI 201: Methods in Data Analysis & Scientific Writing this past fall, I saw how this process works from an instructor’s standpoint. I’ve presented my own research before, but helping others present theirs taught me a bit more about the process. Here are some tips I learned that may help you with your next research presentation:
More is more
In general, your presentation will always benefit from more practice, more feedback, and more revision. By practicing in front of friends, you can get comfortable with presenting your work while receiving feedback. It is hard to know how to revise your presentation if you never practice. If you are presenting to a general audience, getting feedback from someone outside of your discipline is crucial. Terms and ideas that seem intuitive to you may be completely foreign to someone else, and your well-crafted presentation could fall flat.
Less is more
Limit the scope of your presentation, the number of slides, and the text on each slide. In my experience, text works well for organizing slides, orienting the audience to key terms, and annotating important figures–not for explaining complex ideas. Having fewer slides is usually better as well. In general, about one slide per minute of presentation is an appropriate budget. Too many slides is usually a sign that your topic is too broad.
Limit the scope of your presentation
Don’t present your paper. Presentations are usually around 10 min long. You will not have time to explain all of the research you did in a semester (or a year!) in such a short span of time. Instead, focus on the highlight(s). Identify a single compelling research question which your work addressed, and craft a succinct but complete narrative around it.
You will not have time to explain all of the research you did. Instead, focus on the highlights. Identify a single compelling research question which your work addressed, and craft a succinct but complete narrative around it.
Craft a compelling research narrative
After identifying the focused research question, walk your audience through your research as if it were a story. Presentations with strong narrative arcs are clear, captivating, and compelling.
Orient the audience and draw them in by demonstrating the relevance and importance of your research story with strong global motive. Provide them with the necessary vocabulary and background knowledge to understand the plot of your story. Introduce the key studies (characters) relevant in your story and build tension and conflict with scholarly and data motive. By the end of your introduction, your audience should clearly understand your research question and be dying to know how you resolve the tension built through motive.
The methods section should transition smoothly and logically from the introduction. Beware of presenting your methods in a boring, arc-killing, ‘this is what I did.’ Focus on the details that set your story apart from the stories other people have already told. Keep the audience interested by clearly motivating your decisions based on your original research question or the tension built in your introduction.
Less is usually more here. Only present results which are clearly related to the focused research question you are presenting. Make sure you explain the results clearly so that your audience understands what your research found. This is the peak of tension in your narrative arc, so don’t undercut it by quickly clicking through to your discussion.
By now your audience should be dying for a satisfying resolution. Here is where you contextualize your results and begin resolving the tension between past research. Be thorough. If you have too many conflicts left unresolved, or you don’t have enough time to present all of the resolutions, you probably need to further narrow the scope of your presentation.
Return back to your initial research question and motive, resolving any final conflicts and tying up loose ends. Leave the audience with a clear resolution of your focus research question, and use unresolved tension to set up potential sequels (i.e. further research).
Use your medium to enhance the narrative
Visual presentations should be dominated by clear, intentional graphics. Subtle animation in key moments (usually during the results or discussion) can add drama to the narrative arc and make conflict resolutions more satisfying. You are narrating a story written in images, videos, cartoons, and graphs. While your paper is mostly text, with graphics to highlight crucial points, your slides should be the opposite. Adapting to the new medium may require you to create or acquire far more graphics than you included in your paper, but it is necessary to create an engaging presentation.
The most important thing you can do for your presentation is to practice and revise. Bother your friends, your roommates, TAs–anybody who will sit down and listen to your work. Beyond that, think about presentations you have found compelling and try to incorporate some of those elements into your own. Remember you want your work to be comprehensible; you aren’t creating experts in 10 minutes. Above all, try to stay passionate about what you did and why. You put the time in, so show your audience that it’s worth it.
For more insight into research presentations, check out these past PCUR posts written by Emma and Ellie .
— Alec Getraer, Natural Sciences Correspondent
Home Blog Business Consulting Report: How to Write and Present One
Consultants have many tools of the trade at their disposal — frameworks, analytics dashboards, data science models, and more. Yet many clients still expect to receive a narrated consulting report. So how do you write one? This guide will show you.
A consulting report is a high-level summary of the findings and recommendations a consultant provides for the client. In essence, it’s a long-form document, detailing the background of the research, methodology, and key findings, along with the recommended course of action. Consultancy reports are often followed up by a complimentary presentation, aimed at introducing your research methods and persuading the client of the validity of your recommendations and follow-up execution steps.
The MIT further states that:
“Consulting reports are written by outside experts for groups or organizations that do not have the time or the expertise to treat the subject or problem. Hence, a consulting report may present experimental work on a problem defined by a client.”
In other words, consulting research shines extra light on specific problems your client is facing and suggests the expertise to solve them.
From marketing and finance to public relations and sustainability, consultancy is performed across various domains. Respectively, the form and content of consulting documents also differ a lot. To give you a baseline of a consulting report structure, we’ve lined up several examples from top consulting firms, including:
Bcg consulting report presentation example, student consultancy report example.
This in-depth consulting memo from McKinsey follows a narrative structure. It opens with a compelling executive summary, followed by the main body of research, organized in four main sections. Since this is a briefing document, the group rounds up the report with a future outlook, rather than a list of traditional recommendations, prompting the reader to dwell further on the importance of the discussed issues.
This presentation by the BCG team for the New York State Housing authority is a fine specimen of a recommendation report template many other industries can follow. Simple, on-point, and highly effective, the presentation succinctly summarizes the scope of research, lists the key research methods, and then dives into describing the main findings and recommendations.
For those still at school, the above consulting report template could serve as a nice reference point for writing professional, in-depth consulting reports. This report errs on the longer side (since it’s also an academic paper submission) and includes comprehensive information on the client, research objectives, methodology, findings, recommendations, and limitations. In business settings, most reports tend to run shorter, however.
Anyone working in management consulting or studying in this field will need to master the art of writing business consulting reports. After all, much of your work will be tied directly to discerning those documents to your firm’s clients.
Yet while you might be a top-notch analyst and strategic thinker, writing may not be your forte. Soundly, it’s a skill you can master with some practice. This section will show you how to write a consulting report from scratch.
A consulting report should provide a logical flow of information and give clear, coherent answers to the client’s questions. One of the most optimal consulting report formats is this one:
Most consulting report templates follow a variation of this structure.
The easiest way to get started is by putting down a background section first. Why? For several reasons. First, this is the type of information you receive the earliest into the client’s project. So you can always write it down beforehand.
Secondly, by writing the background section first, you once again refresh the main problem you were hired to solve and the methods you’ve used. Then you can always get back to this section to double-check if you have properly addressed the stated problems and assumptions in other sections. The background section of a consultant report has to answer the following questions:
It’s no secret that your readers are busy executives. Most will skim through the recommendation report before finding the time for a proper read-in. Thus, your goal is to put the most important gist right in front of them.
One of the easiest formatting techniques for that is doing three standout sections:
Pro tip: Use data visualizations — charts, graphs, etc. — to highlight the main data points graphically and showcase the correlations between them.
Recommended template: Infographic Dashboard Elements PowerPoint Template
“Findings” are the “meatiest” part of your report. This section should introduce solutions to the client’s specific problems. Plus, explain the reasoning and logic behind your research.
One thing many new consultants struggle with is making the findings sections coherent and logically organized. If that’s your case, try the MECE technique .
Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive (MECE) was invented by Barbara Minto, one of the first female consultants at McKinsey, an expert in effective communication, and also the author of Pyramid Principle .
“The great value of the technique is that it forces you to pull out of your head information that you weren’t aware was there, and then helps you to develop and shape it until the thinking is crystal clear. Until you do that, you can’t make good decisions on slides or video.” Barbara Minto
The MECE structure helps you ensure that within any bucket of data (e.g. one finding) all the information is:
The easiest way to verify that all your findings are MECE is to create a decision tree diagram for the main sections and use it as a reference when writing.
Recommendations should be very concrete, succinct “next steps” for the client. Think of them as report takeaways — one-liners anyone can easily remember and retell to another stakeholder.
Here are several effective formulas for framing your recommendations in a management consulting report:
Finally, get back to the executive summary. Writing it last (after completing other sections) makes the job easier since you just have to cherry-pick the most important findings and recommendations. Then bring them up to the beginning of the copy.
One good technique to try for writing an executive summary is the BLUF method . Short for bottom line up front, this communication technique developed by the military prompts you to put the most important details first, then elaborate via secondary information.
Here’s an example of McKinsey executive report summary using this technique:
Productivity Tip: If you are preparing a consulting report presentation, then the executive summary templates provided by SlideModel can be helpful.
Need more tips? Check our separate guide to writing and presenting an executive summary and how to create a report presentation .
In most cases, you’ll not just hand in the report to the client, but will also do a short presentation, summarizing the main findings. Here’s how to prepare for it.
Peter Block, a veteran consultant and published author, writes in “ Flawless Consulting ” book that:
The consultant’s primary task is to present the picture — this is 70 percent of the contribution you have to make.
Most clients want to understand their business position at present (as-is state) and see the big picture of reaching the desired to-be state — aka a point where their main goal(s) is fulfilled.
As a consultant, you have to connect these two points for them. So first articulate the problem very clearly. Explain why the client is in the current state and why they must act now. Back your claims with relevant data points.
Peter Block recommends selecting data in the following manner:
The goal of your recommendations report presentation is to make the client trust your judgment and follow-up on suggestions. Then persuade them what the recommendations you are proposing will do good for their business.
One of the most efficient presentation techniques, in this case, is modeling different scenarios. For example:
During this part of your presentation, your goal is to show the audience “what you would have down in their shoes”.
To overcome doubts and initial resistance, you not just need to show the client that this is a solid way forward but also explain the rationale behind it. What you want to do is find out what is bothering them and then address those issues in your presentation.
Specifically, you need to explain why your recommendations are not just plausible but warranted. So allocate several slides in your consulting report presentation towards explaining your:
In each case, focus on communicating the rationale behind your decision-making. Then, once again, highlight how your findings/recommendations will help the client reach their goals.
Close your consulting presentation with a compelling slide, showing the outcomes they can gain if they choose to go with your recommendations.
Consulting work can get hectic at times. Not only do you need to have strong analytical skills, but also double as a persuasive public speaker when it comes to communicating the strategy to clients. On the other hand, consulting work is also tremendously rewarding — the recommendation reports and presentations you produce can change the odds for the success of many businesses. And the better you learn to communicate the value of your consulting work in writing, the more thought-after consultant you become!
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Report writing is a formal style of presenting objective facts and information. There can be various types of reports, such as academic reports, science reports, business reports, technical reports, and news reports. A report can be verbal or written. However, a written report is more formal than a verbal report.
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Report writing is the process of organizing and presenting information in a clear, concise, and objective manner for a specific audience. It involves gathering data, analyzing it, and presenting it in a format that is easy to understand and relevant to the topic at hand. – The University of Wisconsin Writing Center
Report writing is the art of communicating information that has been acquired through research or investigation in a formal, structured manner. It involves synthesizing information, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations based on the findings. – The American Management Association
Report writing is the process of creating a document that provides information, analysis, and recommendations on a particular topic or issue. It requires the ability to organize and present data in a logical and meaningful way, as well as to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. – The International Business Communication Standards (IBCS)
A written report also provides the following advantages:
However, writing a report is not as easy as drafting a formal e-mail. A report is a brief, precise document. It is written for a specific audience with some specific objective. To write a report, you need to first thoroughly understand the purpose of report writing, then research information from various sources, verify the validity of information, analyse information, and then present findings or results. These findings must be reported objectively without personal biases.
A well-written report must have an effective objective analysis. Based on the analysis, you can recommend possible courses of action for the future. However, it is up to the report reader to accept the recommendations.
Therefore, while report writing, you must pay attention to why you are writing the report and who has asked you to write the report. This will help you investigate the information appropriately.
Following are the main sections of a formal report :
Conclusions, recommendations.
This section indicates the purpose of the report, who has ordered the report, how the data is collected, and whether any recommendations are provided. In addition, the introduction section may also provide information on who has written the report and the date on which it is submitted.
This section provides the background of a problem or a situation on which the report is written. In case the report is too lengthy, then instead of introduction, an executive summary should be written.
The purpose of an executive summary is to enable top executives and managers to get a quick snapshot of a long report without reading the entire report. Therefore, the executive summary comes before introduction. Of course, then there would be no background section.
This is the longest section of a report, which is written after the investigation is over. This section presents factual information without any interpretation or suggestions.
Each finding is summarised as a conclusion in this section. In the above sample report, there are four conclusions based on the summary of each paragraph in the findings section. These conclusions are listed numerically in the same order as the corresponding findings.
The final section provides a numbered list of recommendations, which are based on the list of the conclusion. Each recommendation uses the verb should. This is because the writer is simply giving suggestions and not making a decision. Therefore, the verb should is used instead of the verb will. However, there are exceptions:
Reports exist in our academics and workplaces in so many forms that we may not even be aware of them. For example, a student submits a laboratory report to communicate the methods and results of scientific experiments conducted in a lab.
Academicians and business people use research reports to view scientific studies of an issue or a problem. Policy-makers read field study reports to read about the ground situation from branch offices and manufacturing plants. Similarly, there are progress reports, technical reports, functional reports, case studies, etc.
All these reports share the attributes, principles, and format of report writing, which are described above. These reports can be organised into three groups:
Analytical reports, news reports.
An informational report is used to objectively present information without any analysis. Examples of informational reports include the First Information Report (FIR), annual reports, monthly financial reports, or employee attrition reports. These reports only report the facts as they are.
For example, the police write an FIR to record details about a cognisable offence, such as personal details of the complainant/informant, place, date and time of occurrence, offence, description of the accused, witnesses, and complaint.
Similarly, a company presents an annual report to its shareholders to present details of its business activities and finances of the previous financial year. An informational report presents objective facts without analysing the reasons and conditions behind the reported situation.
For example, if someone wants to study information on a field trip, then he can ask for a site visit report. Similarly, if a manager wants to view the feedback of a training programme, then he can ask for the training feedback report from the trainer. If the head of a department wants to get an update on the different projects in his department, he can ask for progress reports from different project managers.
An analytical report evaluates a problem or an issue and presents the outcomes of analysis to explain the causes of the problem, demonstrate relationships, or make recommendations.
For example, a scientific or market research report studies a problem scientifically by developing a hypothesis, gathering data, analysing data, and presenting findings and conclusions.
Similarly, a feasibility analysis report studies a problem and predicts whether the current solution or alternatives will be practical or will produce the desired outcome. Whenever you need to make a critical decision, then an analytical report is prepared. These reports help the decision-maker(s) analyse the prevailing situation.
For example, a company wants to decide where to open a branch office in a particular area. In this situation, an analytical report can evaluate the details of the property, such as infrastructure, land cost, competitive stores, etc., and then recommend the best site from the available options.
If you are working as or aspire to be a journalist, then you may need to write a press report. A press report is a newsworthy article in a newspaper, magazine or website. It is different from the press release by companies. A press release is an official statement of a company on an important subject or event. A press release generally focuses on one particular subject, such as a milestone, a launch, an anniversary, etc.
On the other hand, a press report discusses the subject in detail. A press release is a marketing tool used by companies to keep the general public and the media updated about its newsworthy occasions. It helps build a company’s visibility in the minds of its customers and community at large.
A press release is generally prepared by a company’s marketing or Public Relations (PR) team, whereas a press report is written by an independent journalist. Therefore, a press report presents more objective information than a press release, which is a company’s promotional mouthpiece. Just like informational and analytical reports, a press report requires considerable research on a subject before it is written credibly.
The author must ask the 5 Ws and 1 H – who, what, where, why, when, and how. Questions arise in the following manner:
After finding the answers, he must note down all the relevant facts that must be mentioned in the news report. These facts can be organised into the following three groups:
By organising information into the above groups, the author will be able to include all the relevant facts into the news report. The facts must be specific. If there are gaps in the story and the related information is not available, then questions can be marked against them so that these can be researched further.
Next, the author must decide the type of news report he wants to write – informational or analytical. The former will provide objective and straightforward information, whereas the latter will also provide the author’s opinion on the subject.
After determining the type of news report to write, the author must create an outline or structure of the report. The most common structure is an inverted triangle, where the most important information is at the top.
A news report must provide the information that the readers want as soon as possible. If the news report is for a newspaper, then the most important news must be above the “fold”. The “fold” is the crease in the newspaper when it is folded in half. All the engaging stories are above the fold. Similarly, on a website, the most important information is at the top of the screen before one has to scroll down.
A news report must be written according to the audience. The author should ask the 5Ws with respect to the audience reaction, such as:
Finally, the structure of a news report is as follows:
Informational news report, analytical news report, additional details, concluding sentence.
The leading sentence of a news report is the most important section. It should tell what the news report is all about, why it is important, and what information the rest of the news report provides.
These provide the basic information of what happened, where it happened, when it happened, who was involved, and why it was remarkable.
In this report, the remaining details provide more information about the newsworthy item.
In this report, the remaining details also provide the opinion of the author.
These details help the reader learn more about the newsworthy item, such as additional facts about the subject, contact information, or interview quotes. These details comprise transitional elements that help build the flow of information. In an analytical report, these can also include counter-arguments and their authors.
The news report should end with a concluding sentence, which repeats the leading statement or a statement mentioning future developments.
This process will ensure that your report is accurate, clear, comprehensive and credible.
Before writing a report, identify the following parameters:
To research the facts or information for report writing:
After gathering and analysing the required information, organise it as follows:
A feasibility report is a written document that analyses the proposed solution and examines whether it is feasible considering various types of constraints such as financial, social, environmental, social, technical, and legal that can make it impossible for a solution to be opted.
Feasibility reports assess the practicality of following a particular course of action for a project. It advises whether it will be feasible to opt for a particular course of action or will this proposal or plan work? These are written internal reports that advise on consolidating departments or to organise a wellness programme for employees or to outsource company’s accounting or social media or to move the manufacturing unit to a new location.
Some companies hire a professional consultant to write feasibility reports in order to investigate a problem. These reports help in deciding whether to proceed or reject the proposed option.
A business proposal is defined as a written document from a seller that offers a particular service or product to a prospective buyer. Business proposals are important in scenarios where a buyer might consider multiple prices in a transaction.
A good business proposal considers the buyer’s requirements and puts forth the seller’s proposal in a way that favours the seller’s products and services, and persuades the buyer about the offer. A business proposal is a critical document as it determines the difference between success and failure in a venture. Business proposals can be:
Because proposals are time-consuming, it is the best to start with available templates if possible. You will save a lot of time if you start with a proposal template that matches what you need and then customise it according to your requirements.
A business proposal includes various sections which are defined as follows:
Executive summary, pricing information, terms and conditions.
In the other article, you studied writing cover letters for a job application. A business proposal also needs a cover letter because a good cover letter will stimulate interest in the proposal. Make sure to highlight your positives and personalise them to the client to whom you are sending the business proposal.
This is where you give the client a ‘problem statement’ to help him identify the challenges and requirements in his business. This is because in order to persuade the client to do business with you, you first need to make sure that the client realises they have those needs. Then you briefly state how you will be able to help them meet those requirements.
The proposal is the part where you offer a detailed solution to the challenges and needs of the prospective client. This is the main reason for submitting a business proposal so it should be as detailed as possible, addressing all the needs of the client.
You should explain to the client all services that you can provide. You should tailor your list of services to suit the particular client’s needs but include other services that you may provide. Also include an estimated project schedule and time frame.
Most buyers consider the price of services before offering a contract. Thus, getting accurate pricing information is crucial. However, two points must be kept in mind. One it is important to be exact with the pricing and the second is to never negotiate below what you think the project is worth.
For smaller projects, a ‘fee summary’ will do the job. But a ‘fee schedule’ is needed for bigger projects, where payments need to be broken down to specific milestones.
It is in your interest to get legal counsel to review the proposal as this will cover your business against claims.
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In addition to the body of the report, formal reports include specific front and back matter.
Front matter – the sections that come before the body of the report – establishes the authority of the report, intended audience, and key concepts. Front matter includes:
Read more fully about the letter of transmittal and executive summary on the following page of this text.
The body of a formal report may contain many sections, among which are the following. Note that, aside from the Introduction, Background, and Purpose/Problem sections, which most formal reports contain in some configuration at the start of the body, the rest of the sections change depending on your purpose, audience, context, role, and other communications variables you identify in your situational analysis. It’s up to you to identify and create the sections you need to include in each formal report.
The introduction sets up the structure of a report. It tells your reader what is to come and in what order, and it reminds your reader of the situation that instigated the report’s creation. This section is key to the reader following and retaining major points of the report. Sometimes the introduction contains background and purpose or problem, although these sections may also be separate, depending on the communication situation.
The background section explains the circumstances that led to the report’s creation and may explain the current situation, including any potential constraints such as budget, time, human resources, etc. In some situations, you may want to incorporate background into the introduction.
A purpose or problem statement may be part of the introduction and/or background, or it can stand separately, depending upon the complexity of the report. A purpose or problem statement should directly, succinctly, and clearly relay its information. The intention of a purpose or problem statement is to eliminate uncertainty or questions in your reader, so that the reader can focus immediately on the report’s function and main ideas.
You’ll develop your own sections appropriate to your report’s purpose, audience, and other communication variables, as shown in the examples below. Each section should have a clear, descriptive heading; longer sections should have subheadings; and the sections should have a logic in terms of grouping and classifying information.
If you are writing an analytical report on an unfortunate incident that occurred at work, as a result of an email that was inappropriately forwarded, you might include the following body sections after your Introduction/Background/Purpose:
If you were asked to research the feasibility of hosting a carnival event as a fundraiser for your group, you might include some or all of the following body sections after your Introduction/Background/Purpose:
Materials Needed | Cost |
---|---|
Display Counters (2) | $75.50 |
Orange Signs (2) | $24.18 |
The conclusion finishes the body of the report by summarizing the major ideas of the report. While not the same as an executive summary, it has a similar feel as it provides the report’s key concepts. A conclusion should never introduce a fact or idea not presented earlier in the report.
Back matter contains documentation, a glossary, an appendix, or any other appropriate, additional information that helps clarify the sources of information used in the body of the report. For example, you may have researched a lot of data that you used as the basis for recommendations in your report, which focuses on purchasing and implementing new information technology (IT). That data may be overwhelming to your primary audience, a top manager interested in expanding the company but not fully knowledgeable in technical fields. However, you know that your data could be very useful to your secondary audience of IT managers, who need to be convinced of the validity, currency, and scope of your research when consulted by the top manager. You may choose to include the data in an appendix to meet the needs of both of your audiences.
Back matter will change depending on the context of the report, and some reports may not contain any back matter.
The following video discusses a formal report’s front and back matter.
The figure below shows just one example of the many possible sections in a sales proposal, which is one type of report. White pages are front and back matter; shaded pages are the body of this particular report. Note that this proposal was written in response to a request for proposals (RFP), so the author decided to include a copy of the RFP at the start. Note also that, to follow the format required in the RFP, the writer moved the executive summary before the title page of the report, instead of at the end of the front matter, since required format always take precedence over standard practice.
Remember that formal report sections always align to writing situation. When writing formal reports, you usually have the ability to create, name, and order sections in the body of the report according to your purpose, context, and audience’s needs. For example, if your audience is expected to react neutrally or positively to your message, then your conclusion or recommendation might be offered near the beginning of the report. If your audience is expected to react negatively to your message, then you may want to implement what you’ve learned about presenting negative information and place the conclusion or recommendation toward the end of the report. Whatever sections you develop, make sure that they result from your conscious choice, based on your situational analysis of the communication situation for the formal report.
The following video briefly discusses the parts of a formal report.
The following video first reviews basic professional communication concepts and then discusses the sections of a formal report (approx. 2 minutes into the video), offering a useful overview of report writing within the context of writing processes.
To see a sample, annotated, formal report, link to the University of Wellington’s publication, How to Write a Business Report . The sample report is in Appendix D, pages 23-38.
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Today, Europe stands united in its pursuit of inclusive economic growth, focusing on
They all serve as pillars of prosperity.
The vision that drives Europe forward is to create conditions where businesses thrive, the environment is protected, and everyone has an equal chance at success.
Sustainable competitiveness should make sure businesses are productive and environmentally friendly. Economic security ensures that our economy can handle challenges and protect jobs. With open strategic autonomy, Europe is not just open for business; but is shaping a better, fairer world.
Europe's strong system of rights and values offers equal opportunities and leads the way in social inclusion. Our institutions, economic frameworks, and commitment to the rule of law create an environment where businesses can thrive and people can prosper. Top-notch infrastructure and a skilled workforce give Europe its competitive edge.
In a changing world with new challenges, the European Union is focused on staying competitive and prosperous. We're working hard to maintain our leadership globally and to make sure we have control over our own future.
Therefore Europe needs to look further ahead and set out how to remain competitive.
This is why Mario Draghi – former European Central Bank President and one of Europe's great economic minds – was tasked by the European Commission to prepare a report of his personal vision on the future of European competitiveness.
The report looks at the challenges faced by the industry and companies in the Single Market.
The findings of the report will contribute to the Commission’s work on a new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. And in particular, to the development of the new Clean Industrial Deal for competitive industries and quality jobs, which will be presented in the first 100 days of the new Commission mandate.
Strengthening European competitiveness
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This clarifies the overall purpose of your talk and reinforces your reason for being there. Follow these steps: Signal that it's nearly the end of your presentation, for example, "As we wrap up/as we wind down the talk…". Restate the topic and purpose of your presentation - "In this speech I wanted to compare…". 5.
Design created using the Lab Report PowerPoint Template. To build a high-quality academic report presentation, consider the following slides: Title Slide: Title, author's name, institution, and date. Introduction Slide: Background and research question. Literature Review Slide: Summary of relevant research.
How to add text to your presentation report slide. Click on the Text Box button. Draw a box on the slide where you want the new text box to appear. You'll know if you've created a new text box by the handles that appear around the box. After you've drawn the box, add new text to your slide. 5.
Parts of a Presentation. All types of presentations consist of three basic parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. In general, the introduction should be about 10-15% of your speaking time, the body around 75%, and the conclusion only 10%. The old adage is that in the introduction you tell them what you will tell them; in the ...
In this article, we will look at presentation structure, focusing on the three parts: Introduction, main body, and conclusion of a presentation. We will explore what each part does and specific tips to help structure these parts of the presentation in the best possible way. The Agenda. Part 1: The introduction of a presentation.
Apply the 10-20-30 rule. Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it! 9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule. Simplicity is key.
Writing a Research Report: Presentation. Tables, Diagrams, Photos, and Maps. -Use when relevant and refer to them in the text. -Redraw diagrams rather than copying them directly. -Place at appropriate points in the text. -Select the most appropriate device. -List in contents at beginning of the report.
Length and Structure. The main part should make up about 70% of the presentation and also include a clear structure. Explain your ideas in detail and build them up logically. It should be organized chronologically, by priority or by topic. There should be a smooth transition between the individual issues.
Tip 1: Prepare properly. Preparation lays the foundation for a successful report presentation. Think carefully about how you want to present specific facts and data. Know what you want to say and what your goals are - that's key for a great report presentation layout. Each slide must have a specific purpose.
Nonetheless, the parts of an informal and formal report can be divided into three components: front matter, the parts of a report that precede the main body and contain introductory and background information that provides the context for the remainder of the report; body, the presentation of facts, statistics, expert opinion and other forms of ...
Taking this advice, keep your report presentations short whenever possible. This example by Deloitte depicts a smart way to keep things bite-sized yet meaty, and also publicizes all your white papers and articles in one place. 23. Private Sector Opportunity to Improve Well-Being by The Boston Consulting Group.
6/ Engage Emotionally. Connect emotional levels with your audience by appealing to their aspirations, fears, desires, or values. They help create a deeper connection and engagement from the very beginning. Make sure your introduction is concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.
1 Choose a topic based on the assignment. Before you start writing, you need to pick the topic of your report. Often, the topic is assigned for you, as with most business reports, or predetermined by the nature of your work, as with scientific reports. If that's the case, you can ignore this step and move on.
Report Purposes & Types. Reports are key communication tools in business; they often become part of an organization's archives so that current and future employees can see the research, information, and reasoning underlying certain issues, actions, and decisions. Reports may be formal or informal, informative or analytical.
If you want your audience to stay engaged, you need to structure your ideas as a well-crafted story. Follow these three steps to clearly define your narrative before you start creating your slides ...
Instead, focus on the highlights. Identify a single compelling research question which your work addressed, and craft a succinct but complete narrative around it. Craft a compelling research narrative. After identifying the focused research question, walk your audience through your research as if it were a story.
During this part of your presentation, your goal is to show the audience "what you would have down in their shoes". 3. Elaborate On Your Strategy. To overcome doubts and initial resistance, you not just need to show the client that this is a solid way forward but also explain the rationale behind it.
4.3.6: Creating an Informative Presentation is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. An informational presentation is common request in business and industry. It's the verbal and visual equivalent of a written report. Information sharing is part of any business or organization. ….
Report Writing Definition. Report writing is the process of organizing and presenting information in a clear, concise, and objective manner for a specific audience. It involves gathering data, analyzing it, and presenting it in a format that is easy to understand and relevant to the topic at hand. - The University of Wisconsin Writing Center.
Front matter - the sections that come before the body of the report - establishes the authority of the report, intended audience, and key concepts. Front matter includes: letter of transmittal - to introduce the report to its audience. cover/title page of the report. table of contents/list of figures if needed (use if a report is longer ...
About to report on progress or share insights and findings? Use our professionally designed report presentation templates for financial reports, investor updates, marketing decks, and more.
The report looks at the challenges faced by the industry and companies in the Single Market. The findings of the report will contribute to the Commission's work on a new plan for Europe's sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. And in particular, to the development of the new Clean Industrial Deal for competitive industries and quality ...