Training Course On Report Writing Skills

INTRODUCTION

Good reports are inevitable in any successful organization. High quality reports often form the basis of sound decision making within an organization. Report writing is a skill that can be learned. This course takes you through every stage from planning and structuring through to writing and presenting a report. At the end of the training, participants will become confident report writers.

DURATION

5 days

TOPICS TO BE COVERED

Module 1:

Introduction to report writing

• Defining a report
• Importance of a report
• Why are some reports ineffective?
• Basic principles of report writing
• Structure of business reports

Classification of reports

• Informal and Formal reports
• Examples of informal and formal reports

Module 2:

Planning for report writing

• Submitting the report
• Using the checklist to appraise and edit the report
• Writing the report
• Arriving at a conclusion, with a call to action
• Analysing the data and information
• Obtaining or producing the data
• Creating the structure of the report
• Visualising who the reader will be
• Fully understanding the brief

Logical structure

• Structuring for logical flow
• Organizing ideas
• Balance and emphasis
• Planning the content

Practice on writing the report

• Accuracy, brevity and clarity
• Tabular and graphic presentations
• Editing the report

Module 3:

Guiding the reader

• Constructing titles, headings and subheadings
• Producing effective lists
• Using visual aids and examples

Language choice

• Using plain English
• Being clear and concise
• Writing accurately
• Avoiding the passive voice

Module 4: 

A Checklist for Successful Reports

• Proof read the report before submitting
• Making a report jargon free
• Checking if the content relate to the stated objectives
• Checking if graphs and tables are well explained
• Checking if everything is correctly and clearly labelled
• Checking if the materials are presented in relevant and logical sections
• Checking if the report answer the needs of the reader
• Checking if the report answer the original brief

Module 5:

Finishing techniques

• Professional presentation
• Using a consistent format, style, layout
• Writing an executive summary
• Reproduction
• Distribution and presentation