How to write an executive summary for business plans

1. How to write an
Executive Summary
for Business Plans
www.KLARITI.com

2. Do you find it
difficult to write
your executive
summary?

3. This
tutorial
will help

4. Hi, I’m Ivan Walsh
www.Klariti.com

5. How to write an
Executive
Summary

6. 3 goals
Be interesting
Be logical
Build trust & credibility

7. What’s the difference between the
Executive Summary
and the
Introduction?

8. The Executive Summary ‘sells’
the main document

9. When do I need it?
Business plan
Academic, studies
Grant proposals

10. Who reads them?
experts (not technical)
Decision makers
Journalists

11. Write the executive summary AFTER the main document

12. writing tips
Don’t copy introduction
Summarize key points
Make sales pitches
Generate enthusiasm
Mirror main document
Be interesting

13. Use the executive summary to establish authority

14. More writing tips
Avoid jargon, clichés
No emotional language
Consider your readers
1 idea per paragraph
Stand over everything
Use sub-headings

15. Where does it go?
Before Introduction
After table of contents
Bridge both chapters

16. Don’t forget –
Your executive summary is for decision-makers

17. How to structure
Define scope (in/out)
Provide context
Explain approach
You’re recommending?
In a nutshell…
It stands alone

18. the
executive summary
goes from
big to small

19. Write the executive summary so it can be read independently of the main document.

20. How long?
Can I make a decision?
1-2 pages but..
Or 5-10% of document

21. Writing tactics:
how to summarize the executive summary

22. 1. Short sentences
2. Link ideas
3. Build interest
4. Be inclusive
5. Watch the tone

23. Paragraph structure
One idea per paragraph
Short paragraphs
Make it scannable

24. Font
At least size 12
Same as report
Double spaced

25. Review three times
Print out, read from end
Read aloud
Reduce word count

26. No one reads the business plan
if
the executive summary sucks

27. How to test your executive summary…

28. 1. Ask others to read it
2. Sounds right?
3. Would you buy it?
4. Explain in 1 sentence
5. Every revision helps

29. Takeaways

30. 1. Write several drafts
2. Be interesting
3. Make connections
4. Revise in waves
5. Work to the finish line

31. Please
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