An executive summary previews the main points of a longer report in a concise manner for readers without time to read the full report. It should provide an overview of the key points and conclusions in the report. To write an effective executive summary, one should be familiar with the entire report and capture the main recommendation or purpose in one to two sentences. The summary should then provide a short paragraph on each major point in the same order as the full report and close with a brief reiteration of the main idea. The creation process involves listing main points, writing simple sentences on each, and adding explanatory details while avoiding unnecessary technical language.

1. HOW TO WRITE AN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CoB Center for Professional
Communication

2. What Is an Executive Summary?
 An executive summary previews the main
points of an in-depth report
 It is written for nontechnical people who don't
have time to read the main report
 It contains enough information for a reader to
get familiarized with what is discussed in the
full report without having to read it

3. What an Executive Summary
Should Do
 Provide an overview of another document or
presentation with a clear enough
understanding that the reader may make a
decision based only on the Executive
Summary.
 It can stand alone, if necessary, in conveying
key points and conclusions.

4. How would I go about writing an
Executive Summary?
 Be familiar with the entire original document.
 Capture the purpose and the main
recommendation(s) in one or two sentences.
 Provide key evidence (usually a short paragraph
for each major point) as quickly and directly as
possible. Follow the order of the original.
 Close with a brief summary and reiteration of
the main idea.

5. The Seven Step Creation
Process
1. Plan to create a summary each time you
write a business report exceeding four pages.
Write the summary after you write the main
report, and make sure it is no more than 1/10
the length of the main report.
2. List the main points the summary will cover in
the same order they appear in the main
report.
3. Write a simple declarative sentence for each
of the main points.

6. The Seven Step Creation
Process
4. Add supporting or explanatory sentences as
needed, avoiding unnecessary technical
material and jargon.
5. Read the summary slowly and critically,
making sure it conveys your purpose,
message and key recommendations. You
want readers to be able to skim the summary
without missing the point of the main report.

7. The Seven Step Creation
Process
6. Check for errors of style, spelling, grammar
and punctuation. Ask a fellow writer to
proofread and edit the document.
7. Ask a nontechnical person to read the
document. If it confuses or bores them, the
summary probably will have the same effect
on other nontechnical readers.

8. Executive Summary Structure
Executive Summary
The environment in which the automobile industry operates is continuously evolving. Perhaps no one
knows this better than Ford Motor Company. Until recently, Ford was able to operate with a
Title
fundamentally flawed business structure; however, its failure to reconcile weaknesses was highlighted
because of increased competition and gas prices. Going forward, Ford needs to focus on strengthening
its fundamentals and streamlining its business processes, as well as developing technology to better
serve the growing demand for greater fuel economy.
Intro Paragraph
Problems Facing Ford
The fundamentals that Ford failed to execute include managing costs, maintaining good supplier
relations, utilizing internal resources, and planning for the future.
• In 2006, Ford spent $3.5 billion on insurance benefits for 570,000 current and past employees, Statement of main
adding $1200 to the ticket price of each car.
• Rather than striving for a mutually beneficial relationship with its suppliers, Ford takes the topic and explanation
“crush their bones” approach, forcing unrealistic price reductions that squeeze the suppliers,
often driving them into bankruptcy. This approach is detrimental because Ford’s high
expectations can lead to lower quality goods as suppliers try to meet Ford’s requirements.
• Until 2006, Ford was structured so that each regional unit operated autonomously. This
breakdown of communication made business inefficient.
• The unprecedented growth in models vying for customers in the U.S. has ended the Big Three as
we know it. In 2002, there were 215 models and a 50 percent increase is expected by the
decade’s end.
Recommendations for Ford
It is necessary to develop a set of best practices and capitalize on opportunities for future growth by
doing the following: Statement of main
• Adopt an open book management approach when negotiating with unions and employees to topic and explanation
reduce its employee health care and pension costs.
• Benchmark Toyota’s supplier relations and production line efficiency.
• Capitalize on its reputation as America’s number one selling truck for the past 31 years, by
incorporating hybrid technology into its light truck segment.
Conclusion
Ford’s fundamental weaknesses include cost management, supplier relations, utilization of internal
resources, and planning for the future. To address these problems, Ford needs to adopt an open book Concluding
management approach, develop a set of best practices that parallels the business processes of efficient
industry players, and become the number one producer of hybrids in the light truck segment. Paragraph

9. A few tips--
 The Executive Summary is all about getting
critical information into a boss’s hands so s/he
can make a decision. Keep it short and as
complete as possible.
 Keep your main points in mind as you write the
summary. You do not need to include every point
in the summary, but ensure that the major ideas
are covered succinctly.
 No need to cite references, but if you are
summarizing another work, introduce the
document in the opening paragraph. Provide
enough reference information for your reader to
easily find the original document.

10. Remember--
 The most important outcome of an Executive
Summary is that the reader would be able to
make a decision based exclusively on the
information presented in the Executive
Summary.

11. http://www.sbp.org.pk/report/ExecutiveSummary.pdf
HOW TO WRITE AN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY