How to write an Executive summary for a business plan, proposal etc.

1. WRITE AN EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
TIPS FOR OFFICE PROJECTS
ATIQA KHAN
NESPAK
Lahore, Pakistan
SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

2. WRITE AN EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Importance of Executive Summary:
Executive summaries have to be well addressed and concise in its perspective, because:
1. It is a window to a business plan, report, proposal etc., and act as an “Elevator pitch”.
2. It seizes the attention and let reader know what they are looking for.
3. It explains why reader has to invest his time or sometimes money.
4. It is an overview of report not just an introduction.
General Outlook:
Generally, executive summaries have following characteristics:
1. It acts as an opener, so be direct in statements and focus on outcomes. It should cover up
the most important information about the project, the purpose and content.
2. They are short and precise. Mostly 1-2 pages in length. Although, experts have different
opinions in case of its length. Generally, more focused arguments are preferred.
3. Sentences should not be lengthy. It’s good to be within 15-20 words.
4. Try not use buzzing words, and avoid using everyday language.
5. It contains connected paragraphs. That can be with headings/sub-headings to emphasize, if
it is a long one. A single connecting information should be covered up within 3-5 sentences.
6. It has headings/paragraphs in the same order as that of the report.
7. If has to deal with numbers, round off them rather than to write whole numeral (Write 84K
PKR instead of 84,789 PKR).
8. It is separate from rest of report as it intended to serve the specific group of people.
a. As it is not always the case. It depends upon the type of report and what
information it contains.
b. To whom the report is for, and level of reader.
c. But should not contain any unfamiliar terminology. If so, explain it.
9. Generally, it covers up following topics:

3. a. Project Summary/Problem Statement/Purpose/Aim: The problem statement
and purpose of research.
b. Background/History: Is it a first project of its kind? Who are involved in this?
c. Scope/Objective:
d. Process/Methodology: How data was collected? What is the method used?
e. Findings & Conclusions: What are the results? Is it in profit? Does have an
impact of users? Are the recommendations applicable?
f. Recommendations: What steps are required in long and short term? How to
translate the findings into community?
g. Limits: Limitations in analysis, that can be approved (should be recommended)
10. Some experts have the opinion to write it initially, as it helps to outline and organize the
ideas for further report body.
11. While a majority is stuck with the opinion to write it in last, after completing the report.
Writing Tips:
 Choose right font and size.
 Choose appropriate paragraph spacing.
 Use bullets/numbers in case to highlight important stuff.
 Check for grammar and spelling corrections.
Know your Audience:
1. Whatever you are about to write, academic or professional, 1st
try to know your audience.
Who is the audience and what specifications they need?
2. For professional readers, focus on terminology and vocabulary to be used.
3. Always remain polite and respectful in your words for reader/audience.
Know the relationship between Reader and Writer:
1. If you are writing to someone junior, the tone should be instructive.
2. While writing to a senior person, the tone should be simple and formal.
Different from Summary:
2. Executive summary means that one has
to sell its proposal to client.

4. 1. Summary/summary memo, means that
one has to summarized the whole report
in 250-300 words.
3. It should have focus on product and
services not on features. That part is
addressed on report body.
4. It helps the reader to decide whether
they have to read the next page or put in
dustbin.
Different from Abstract:
1. Abstract intends the reader to read the
paper/publication/thesis.
2. Executive summary act as an
“Standalone Document”, and reader not
necessarily has to go through overall
report/proposal.
Stuck in Start:
When it is hard to start, focus on 4-Ws: What, When, Who, Why.
Top Tip:
A good way to think about the key content is to imagine meeting your boss or CEO in the car
park or at the coffee machine. What three key points about your document would you want to
tell them?
Dont’s for Executive Summary:
1. Don’t make it too lengthy to read.

5. 2. Don’t use acronyms.
3. Don’t be too much descriptive.
4. Don’t use too much technical words.
5. Don’t lie to your reader.
6. Don’t over emphasize your ideas.
7. Don’t tell your ideas, sell them.
8. Don’t make it in completely generalized statements.
9. Don’t repeat what has already been explained.
10. Don’t provide too much details.
11. Don’t add too much background or history.
12. Don’t use different terms in executive summary than that of report/proposal.
13. Don’t explain results, if so required just set them.
14. Don’t lose content of report during executive summary.
15. Don’t just add introduction.
16. Don’t change the order of events as that of report.
17. Don’t cut paste from report into it.

6. Courtesy To:
1. https://www.umuc.edu/writingcenter/writingresources/upload/ewc-writing-for-an-audience.pdf
2. http://classes.engr.oregonstate.edu/mime/fall2011/ie497/Handouts/executive_summary.pdf
3. http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/documents/ExecutiveSummary_Tips.pdf
4. http://articles.bplans.com/writing-an-executive-summary/
5. http://iwrite.sydney.edu.au/ENGINEERING/Reports/Group-Project-Report/Executive-Summary-
examples.html
6. https://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/4bi1.html
7. https://www.proposify.biz/blog/executive-summary
8. https://www.fundsforngos.org/free-resources-for-ngos/executive-summary-project-proposal-
promotion-democracy-good-governance/
9. http://www.skillsyouneed.com/write/executive-summary.html
10. http://www.amplifyllc.com/execsumhints.htm
11. http://www.businesswritingblog.com/business_writing/2013/05/write-better-executive-
summaries.html
12. http://www.garage.com/resources/writing-a-compelling-executive-summary/
13. https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/320178/writing-an-executive-
summary.pdf
14. https://custompapers.com/summaries-mistakes/