© 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. chapter nine © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education.

9-2 nine chapter Writing Short Reports

Learning Objectives 9-3 Understand the makeup of reports relative to length and formality. Understand the four main ways that the writing in short reports differs from long reports. Choose an appropriate form for short reports. Adapt the short report form to other types of reports. 12-3

Length and Formality Long problems and formal contexts require a more complex makeup. Short problems and informal contexts need a simpler make.

Report Classification Plan 9-5 Report Classification Plan

Report Components Title fly Title page Transmittal message Table of contents Executive summary Direct order Indirect order

Characteristics of Short Reports Less need for introductory information Predominance of direct order More personal writing style Less need for a structured coherence plan

Introductory Information Short reports have less need for introductions because they concern day to day problems. tend to have a short life. are intended for only a few readers. Source: Copyright © 2009 Ted Goff.

Predominance of Direct Order Short reports solve routine problems so they’re direct Begin with the most important information— the conclusion or recommendation Busy readers want the bottom line early

Writing Style Short reports Are more likely to use I, we and you than third person. Usually involve personal relationships. Involve personal investigations, observations, evaluations and analyses of their writers.

Structure Short reports have less need for a structured, coherent plan. Readers don’t need the summaries and reminders of what they read required by longer reports. An introduction, clear headings, and strong transitions should be enough. Source: Reprinted with permission of CartoonStock.com, www.cartoonstock.com

Forms of Short Reports Short report Letter report Email report Other forms, such as newsletters, pamphlets, and white papers

Types of Short Reports Routine operational report Progress report Problem-solving report Audit report Meeting minutes

“We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom “We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.” - E. O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize Winner Professor, Harvard University