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Chapter 23. Presenting Insights and Findings: Written and Oral Reports. Learning Objectives. Understand that a quality presentation of research findings can have an inordinate effect on a reader’s or a listener’s perceptions of a study’s quality
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Chapter 23 Presenting Insights and Findings: Written and Oral Reports
Learning Objectives • Understand that a quality presentation of research findings can have an inordinate effect on a reader’s or a listener’s perceptions of a study’s quality • Understand the contents, types, lengths, and technical specifications of research reports • Understand that the writer of a research report should be guided by questions of purpose, readership, circumstances/ limitation, and use
Learning Objectives • Understand that while some statistical data may be incorporated into the text, most statistics should be placed in tables, charts, or graphs • Understand that oral presentations of research findings should be developed with concern for organization, visual aids, and delivery in unique communication settings
The Written Research Report Short Long
Guidelines for Short Reports Tell reader why you are writing Remind reader of request Write in an expository style Write report and hold for review Attach detailed materials in appendix
Long Reports Technical Management
Report Modules Prefatory Information Introduction Methodology Findings Conclusions Appendices Bibiography
Components of a Memo or Letter-Style Short Report • Introduction • Problem statement • Research objectives • Background • Conclusions • Summary and conclusions • Recommendations
Components of a Short Technical Report • Prefatory Information (all) • Introduction (all plus brief methods and limitations) • Findings • Conclusions • Appendices
Components of a Long, Management Report • Prefatory Information (all) • Introduction (all plus brief methods and limitations) • Conclusions and Recommendations • Findings • Appendices
Components of a Long, Technical Report • Prefatory Information • Introduction • Methodology • Findings • Conclusions • Appendices • Bibliography
Prewriting Concerns What is the report’s purpose? Who will read the report? What are the circumstances? How will the report be used?
The Outline • Major Topic Heading • Major subtopic heading • Subtopic • Minor subtopic • Further detail
Topic Demand How measured Voluntary error Shipping error Monthly variance Sentence Demand for refrigerators Measured in terms f factory shipments as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce Error is introduced into year to year comparisons Types of Outlines
Considerations for Writing Readability Comprehensibility Tone
Adjusting Pace Use ample white space Use headings Use visual aids Use italics and underlining Choose words carefully Repeat and summarize Use service words strategically
Avoiding Overcrowded Text Use shorter paragraphs Indent parts of text Use headings Use bullets
Presentation of Statistics Text Semi-tabular Tables Graphics
Example of Text Presentation Wal-Mart’s continued ascendancy to the ranks of super-business is clearly visible in a comparison between it and the Forbes 500 top-ranked business, General Electric. While ranked 6th overall, Wal-Mart surpasses the number 1-ranked GE in overall sales (85.6% greater) and sales growth over the previous year (167.3% greater).
Example of Semi-Tabular Presentation • Wal-Mart’s sales ($244.5 billion) are 85.6% greater than GE sales (131.6 billion) • Wal-Mart’s sales growth (12.3%) is 1.7 times greater than GE’s sales growth (4.6%) • Wal-Mart’s profit growth (20.5%) is 2.9 times greater than GE’s profit growth (7.1%)
The Oral Report Opening Findings and conclusions Recommendations
Presentation Type Extemporaneous Memorized
Vocal Do you speak softly? Do you speak too rapidly? Do you vary volume, tone, and rate of speaking? Do you use non-words (e.g., you know, uhm)? Physical Do you rock back and forth? Do you fiddle with things? Do you stare into space? Do you misuse visuals? Speaker Characteristics
Low Tech Chalkboard/ Whiteboard Handouts Flip charts Overhead transparencies Slides High Tech Computer-drawn visuals Computer animation Audiovisuals
Area chart Bar chart Briefing Executive summary Extemporaneous presentation Geographic chart Letter of transmittal Line graph Management report Pace Pictograph Pie chart Readability index Sentence outline Technical report 3-D graphic Topic outline Key Terms