1. Creating a Consulting Report
Jamie Sass
Assistant Director, CoB Communications Center

2. Audience Considerations
Understanding who you are writing for is the most important step in creating a consulting report. Most audiences reading a consulting report will not have the same technical background as your team, so it is wise to use language that will be understood by an everyday audience. Explain unfamiliar terminology and stay away from jargon.

3. Consulting Report Basics
Expertise
Gives expert advice on technical problems
Writes to an audience outside of your field
Findings
Covers findings based on data collection
Offers insights into findings
Recommendations
Provides recommendations in easily understood language
Justifies recommendations with reasoning and analysis

4. Key Concepts in Consulting Reports
Explanation
Analysis
Justification
Explanation, analysis, and justification are at the heart of consulting reports. First, you must spend time explaining things to your audience in a concise, but through matter. Then, you must analyze what has been presented to finally justify your recommendations.

5. Contents of a Consulting Report
Front Matter
Content
Back Matter

6. Abstract or Executive Summary
Front Matter Matters!
Title Page
Abstract or Executive Summary
Table of Contents

7. Title Page
A strong title page will have a descriptive title that clearly states what is happening in the consulting report.

8. Abstract or Executive Summary
A snapshot of the report that discusses the problem investigated, the methods used to investigate it, and important findings
One paragraph, usually less than 200 words

9. Content Matters Most! Introduction Outlines the purpose of the report
Provides insight into the company’s problem or situation. Shows you understand the issue and builds goodwill.
Background
Shows how you collected information
Methods

10. Content Matters Most Analysis
Provides insights into the issues by addressing how or why something works the way it does
Analysis
Provides a specific recommendation with a specific course of action that is justified by evidence
Recommendations
Summarizes the report and offers future help if needed
Conclusion

11. Back Matter
References
Appendices
Exhibitions

12. Style and Formatting Matters
Needs Headings
Bullets are Fine
Active Voice Required