Writing Technical Reports

Often engineers, scientists, and managers must write reports to provide the results of their research, field work, and other activities to others within their organizations. All too often, the quality of the work itself is judged by the quality of the written report. Many technical reports have specific templates to use to provide a structure to the information; however, within each major section of a report, the information must be clearly presented and logically formatted.

This seminar reviews the basic types of technical reports and includes opportunities for participants to improve their writing skills by hands-on exercises.

Topics include:

  • Reviewing the different types of reports
  • Recognizing the audience’s needs
  • Writing summaries
  • Using visual aids
  • Creating reader-friendly formats
  • Developing worksheets for different types of reports
  • Editing and proofreading reports

Seminar Tips:

  • A well written report can be read by both subject matter experts and general readers. Headings, subheadings, and glossaries are effective ways to meet both groups’ needs.
  • Short paragraphs with strong topic sentences increase the report’s readability.
  • Reports are sometimes written by more than one person. Creating an internal style guide can minimize differences in writing styles and make the final product coherent and seamless.
  • Reports contain specific details. General statements should be used sparingly; however, general statements are made in the conclusion and recommendation sections, but they are based on the hard data contained within the report.

Additional Versions of Report Writing Training Available

Report Writing Made Easy

If you have ever dreaded writing a report, this one-day seminar is designed for you. By following a progression of steps, you will learn how to gather the necessary information, organize the various elements, write a rough draft, make any revisions, and produce a polished final copy.

Topics include:

  • Create a blueprint or a basic outline
  • Determine the best method of development for your major points (e.g., most important to least important, least important to most important, chronological order, analysis of problem and solution)
  • Organize your major divisions and support them with relevant facts
  • Write a rough draft
  • Edit your draft with a critical eye for missing elements or faulty organization
  • Proofread your draft to ensure a professional final copy
  • Choose the right visual aid such as charts, graphs, and tables to present figures
  • Write an effective conclusion
  • Write an executive summary that highlights your report’s main ideas

Seminar Tips:

  • The primary purpose of using graphics in a report is to simplify complex material. The secondary purpose is to add interest to the document.
  • Studies have shown that readers need special skills to interpret line graphs. If you decide to use them, keep them as simple as possible.
  • Audience and subject matter, not length, determine the formality of a report.

To Schedule this Training

For groups of three or more participants

Cypress Media Group presents this seminar as an on-site offering at your work location or at an off-site location of your choice. We can customize this training program to suit your precise training needs.

For economic reasons, this seminar is only offered to groups of roughly three or more people with the same training needs. If you have a group with similar training needs, please call us at 770-640-9918 or e-mail info@cypressmedia.net to discuss your interest.

For fewer than three participants

We do not offer this course as an open enrollment public offering for individuals. If you have fewer than three participants who are interested in this course, the cost will be the same as for a larger group. Please call us at 770-640-9918 or e-mail info@cypressmedia.net to discuss your interest.

Writing Software Available

We recommend that writers use the StyleWriter editing software. StyleWriter will show you how to edit your writing like a pro. You can order a 30-day trial of this remarkable program on the Software for Writers CD. You'll also get four free programs for writers, including a great Dictionary and Thesaurus and six free writing guides on the CD. Click for more information.