Reporting by Derek Hendrikz covers report and business writing, characteristics, fundamentals, structure, style, format and grammar. www.derekhendrikz.com

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2. Copyright © 2014
Derek Hendrikz Consulting
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3. The Definition of a Report:
A report is a permanent record of facts and arguments
that helps the reader to understand something that he
or she did not understand before and aims to persuade
the reader to take a particular action.
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4. A Good Report:
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5. 1. Helps the reader to understand something that he or she
did not understand before

6. 2. Persuades the reader to take a particular action.

7. 3. Gives a record of facts and arguments so that they can be
referred to later.

8. 4. Meets the needs of the readers and answer the questions
in their minds.

9. 5. Has a clear, logical structure – with clear signposting to
show where the ideas are leading.

10. 6. Does not make assumptions about the readers’
understanding.

11. 7. Must give a good first impression. Presentation is very
important.

12. 8. Must be written in good English – using short sentences
and with correct grammar and spelling.

13. • Why am I writing this?
• What do I want to achieve?
• Who will read this?
• What does my reader want to know?
• How will this be used?
• When is this needed?
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14. • Copy each point (or a note of it) on to a separate
piece of paper.
• Sort these pieces of paper into logical groups.
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15. Structuring a Report:
• You will need to structure the content in a logical and clear way
if you are going to help the readers take in your message.
• Make sure you have a sequence of headings and sub-headings
which will act as signposts to help the readers find the
information they need.
• Also, if you structure the report well, you will find it easier to
choose words to express your ideas.
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16. Writing a Persuasive Report:
Show them you are on their side:
• Write from the reader’s point of view.
• Show you understand the real issues.
• Be objective.
Lead them over to your side:
• Be fair.
• Give the reader an excuse to change their mind.
• Put your preferred option last.
• Anticipate objections.
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