Dos and Taboos of Report Writing

Hello

Welcome to the final part in this series on Writing and presenting Effective Reports.

Part One covered Preparation of Reports

In Part Two we looked at Construction and Style of Reports

and in Part Three we looked at Presentation of Reports

Now in Part Four we conclude with the Dos and Taboos of Reports

Dos of Effective Reports

1. Present only unvarnished facts
2. Be explicit, clear and concise
3. Use the third person if representing a committee, neutral voice for others

Taboos of Effective Reports

1. Personal opinions
2. Unconfirmed facts or inaccurate figures
3. Assumptions about results, actions or motives
4. Straying from the subject
5. Story form

Remember - the sequence of producing an effective report: Collect, collate, check accuracy, sequence, present.

If you do not report effectively, then your work may have been for nothing. Effective reporting not only increases productivity, but can also contribute to your image in the organisation. It really is worth the time taken to do it well!