How to write an
Executive
Summary
that wins more business
www.KLARITI.com
Do you find it
difficult to write
your executive
summary?
This
tutorial
will help
Hi, I’m Ivan Walsh
www.Klariti.com
How to write an
Executive
Summary
3 goals
Be interesting
Be logical
Build trust & credibility
What’s the difference between the
Executive Summary
and the
Introduction?
The Executive Summary ‘sells’
the main document
When do I need it?
Business plan
Academic, studies
Grant proposals
Who reads them?
experts (not technical)
Decision makers
Journalists
Write the executive summary AFTER the main document
writing tips
Don’t copy introduction
Summarize key points
Make sales pitches
Generate enthusiasm
Mirror main document
Be interesting
Use the executive summary to establish authority
More writing tips
Avoid jargon, clichés
No emotional language
Consider your readers
1 idea per paragraph
Stand over everything
Use sub-headings
Where does it go?
Before Introduction
After table of contents
Bridge both chapters
Don’t forget –
Your executive summary is for decision-makers
How to structure
Define scope (in/out)
Provide context
Explain approach
You’re recommending?
In a nutshell…
It stands alone
the
executive summary
goes from
big to small
Write the executive summary so it can be read independently of the main document.
How long?
Can I make a decision?
1-2 pages but..
Or 5-10% of document
Writing tactics:
how to summarize the executive summary
1. Short sentences
2. Link ideas
3. Build interest
4. Be inclusive
5. Watch the tone
Paragraph structure
One idea per paragraph
Short paragraphs
Make it scannable
Font
At least size 12
Same as report
Double spaced
Review three times
Print out, read from end
Read aloud
Reduce word count
No one reads the business plan
if
the executive summary sucks
How to test your executive summary…
1. Ask others to read it
2. Sounds right?
3. Would you buy it?
4. Explain in 1 sentence
5. Every revision helps
Takeaways
1. Write several drafts
2. Be interesting
3. Make connections
4. Revise in waves
5. Work to the finish line
Please
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Executive Summary: how to write