Formal Report Types& Production

Engl 3365

types of formal report?

Infinite forms, content, and organization it’s all about the audience and goal what you write, how you organize it, and how you design it

all depends on what the audience wants to accomplish therefore, understanding the audience is the first step

IN GENERAL, any report will: DESCRIBE: provide information about a subject or issue ANALYZE: explain a subject or issue to support a

conclusion or point of view PROPOSE: argue for action on a solution

Organization & Formatyou will need TO THINK

Your group’s report WILL NOT EXACTLY follow the example in Ch11 (formal reports) or Ch13 (proposals)

The specific organization strategy you use will match the SPECIFIC AUDIENCE AND GOAL of your unique project

The specific sections you decide to include (and what you call each section) WILL VARY based on audience & goal

Report Production

The general stages: analyze audience (decide report type and goal) brainstorm (think about the whats and the hows) outline (decide contents of report) analyze audience (check outline with audience) research (collect info needed for outline & general goal) write (create rough draft from info) format (include graphics, design for easy reading) analyze audience (check rough draft with audience) edit & finalize DELIVER to audience

involve the clientstrike a balance between:

Pesteringdo not waste the client’s time with unfocused meetings/calls,

vague questions, etc

do not demand that the client approve the report at every step

do not bother the client about every little detail or decision

Involvementunderstand the client’s needs and goals for the report

provide opportunities to review and comment as report evolves

communicate which details or decisions are important, and give client opportunities for input