Report Writing Training

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.