Chapter 12 Preparing To Write Business Reports

Chapter 12Preparing To Write Business Reports David Gadish, Ph.D.

What Are Business Reports? • Business reports are systematic attempts to answer questions and solve problems. They include the following activities. Planning

Planning What Are Business Reports? • Business reports are systematic attempts to answer questions and solve problems. They include the following activities.

Research Planning What Are Business Reports? • Business reports are systematic attempts to answer questions and solve problems. They include the following activities.

Research Organization Planning What Are Business Reports? • Business reports are systematic attempts to answer questions and solve problems. They include the following activities.

Research Organization Presentation Planning What Are Business Reports? • Business reports are systematic attempts to answer questions and solve problems. They include the following activities.

Ten Truths About Business Reports • Everyone writes reports. • Most reports flow upward. • Most reports are informal. • Three report formats (memo, letter, and manuscript) are most common. • Reports differ from memos and letters.

Ten Truths About Business Reports • Today’s reports are written on computers. • Some reports are collaborative efforts. • Ethical report writers interpret facts fairly. • Organization is imposed on data. • The writer is the reader’s servant.

Report Functions • Informational reports • Analytical reports

Report Formats • Letter format • Memo format • Manuscript format • Printed forms

Writing Style • Formal • Informal

Audience Analysis and Report Organization If readers are informed

If readers are informed Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers are informed Direct Pattern Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers are informed Report -----Main Idea ---- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- Direct Pattern Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Audience Analysis and Report Organization If readers are supportive

If readers are supportive Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers are supportive Direct Pattern Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Report -----Main Idea ---- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- If readers are supportive Direct Pattern Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Audience Analysis and Report Organization If readers are eager to have results first

If readers are eager to have results first Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Direct Pattern If readers are eager to have results first Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Report -----Main Idea ---- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- Direct Pattern If readers are eager to have results first Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers are informed If readers are supportive If readers are eager to have results first Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers are informed If readers are supportive Direct Pattern If readers are eager to have results first Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers are informed Report -----Main Idea ---- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- If readers are supportive Direct Pattern If readers are eager to have results first Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Audience Analysis and Report Organization If readers need to be educated

If readers need to be educated Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers need to be educated Indirect Pattern Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers need to be educated Report ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----Main Idea ---- Indirect Pattern Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Audience Analysis and Report Organization If readers need to be persuaded

If readers need to be persuaded Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers need to be persuaded Indirect Pattern Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Report ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----Main Idea ---- If readers need to be persuaded Indirect Pattern Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Audience Analysis and Report Organization If readers may be hostile or disappointed

If readers may be hostile or disappointed Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Indirect Pattern If readers may be hostile or disappointed Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Report ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- -----Main Idea ---- Indirect Pattern If readers may be hostile or disappointed Audience Analysis and Report Organization

If readers need to be educated If readers need to be persuaded If readers may be hostile or disappointed Audience Analysis and Report Organization

Chapter 12 Preparing To Write Business Reports