Transcript Business Communication: Process and Product, 4e

Business Reports
A systematic attempt to answer
questions and solve problems
Mary Ellen Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 4e
Copyright © 2003
Types of Reports
Ch. 12, Slide 2
Writing Process
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Analyze the problem and purpose.
Anticipate the audience and issues.
Prepare a work plan.
Research the data.
Organize, analyze, interpret, illustrate the
data.
Compose the first draft.
Revise, proofread, and evaluate.
Ch. 12, Slide 3
Audience Analysis and
Report Organization
If readers
are informed
If readers
are supportive
If readers
are eager to
have results first
Report
Direct Pattern
-----Main Idea --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ch. 12, Slide 4
Audience Analysis and
Report Organization
If readers
need to be
educated
If readers
need to be
persuaded
If readers
may be hostile
or disappointed
Report
Indirect Pattern
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Main Idea ----
Ch. 12, Slide 5
Informational Reports
Emphasis on Presenting Facts
Recurring Activities
• Periodic reports
• Progress / status reports
Non-recurring Events
• Trip, conference, training
• Investigation
Approach – usually direct
Ch. 12, Slide 6
Analytical Reports
Facts – persuade reader to accept conclusions and
act on recommendations
Usually answers a question
• Justification / Recommendation
Report
•
Feasibility Report
•
Yardstick Report
Approach → indirect or direct
Ch. 12, Slide 7
Introduction
• Tells the purpose of the report
• Describes the significance of the topic
• Previews the main points and the order
in which they will be developed
Ch. 12, Slide 8