Writing
jed123
22.pptExecutive Communication Essentials
Writing Executive Summaries
Writing Basics
*
Today’s Topics
- Purpose and content of an Executive Summary.
- How to write an appropriate Business Executive Summary.
- Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation
- Email Form and Structure
- Tips for writing Email
Executive Summary
“The purpose of an executive summary is to summarize the key points of a document.
Save time
Preparing reader for the upcoming content
Above all else, an executive summary has to be clear and concise.”
*
When to Use Executive Summary
Use an Executive Summary….
As an introduction to a Business Plan
As a concise step-by-step summary (no more than 10%) of a large report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY is at the top of the page
After reading the summary one can understand the “whole concept” without actually reading the complete report.
*
Writing Tips
Typically, an Executive Summary will:1
be 5-10% or so of the length of the main report
consist of short and concise paragraphs
be written in the same order as the main report
only include material present in the main report
be able to be read separately from the main report
1
*
Writing Tips Overview
The last task should be writing the executive summary to be used as a summary of each important section of the report.
The content should include information such as:
Fast overview of purpose
Basic information about each section
Important facts
Main conclusions
Ensure the reader can use the page to provide the summary of the report in a nutshell.
*
Format
An executive summary is not an essay; it doesn't need to be long blocks of text.
Typically single space with double spaces between paragraphs
Headings - organize the themes of the summary, this will help orient the reader as he/she dives into the summary.
Content on Assignment
CONTENT
This is a four page paper as follows:
Page 1 – Cover with picture of reading book or author
Name and course number & section
Page 2 – One page Executive Summary to persuade a an executive that he/she should read this book.
Last paragraph – give your opinion of the reading book.
Content on Assignment
CONTENT
This is a four page paper as follows:
Page 3 –
Part 1 - Put PART 1 heading
Paragraph 1 - List two principles from the book with quotation marks.
Paragraph 2 – Write about how you can or would apply these principles to your personal life, give examples of where/how.
Content on Assignment
CONTENT
This is a four page paper as follows:
Page 3 –
Part 2 - Put PART 2 heading
Paragraph 1 - List two principles from the book with quotation marks.
Paragraph 2 – Write about how you can or would apply these principles to your personal life, give examples of where/how.
.
Content on Assignment
CONTENT
This is a four page paper as follows:
Page 4 –
Part 3 - Put PART 3 heading
Paragraph 1 - List two principles from the book with quotation marks.
Paragraph 2 – Write about how you can or would apply these principles to your personal life, give examples of where/how.
Content on Assignment
CONTENT
This is a four page paper as follows:
Page 4 –
Part 4 - Put PART 4 heading
Paragraph 1 - List two principles from the book with quotation marks.
Paragraph 2 – Write about how you can or would apply these principles to your personal life, give examples of where/how.
*
Misspelled Words
*
Grammar Mistakes
They're / Their / There
They’re going to store together. (contraction of “they are”)
The managers are in their weekly meeting. (possessive)
Place the flowers there. (adv. – indicates location/direction)
You're / Your
You're going to be a great writer! (contraction of “you are”)
Your hair looks nice today. (possessive)
Who's / Whose
Who's on first base? (contraction of “who is”)
Whose watch is this? (possession)
COMMONLY CONFUSED WORDS:
*
Grammar Mistakes
COMMONLY CONFUSED WORDS
It's / Its
It’s a beautiful day! (contraction of “it is”)
Download the program, along with its readme file. (possessive)
Affect / Effect
The outage shouldn't affect anyone during work hours. (verb – to act on, influence)
The outage shouldn't have any effect on users. (noun – result)
A lot / Alot* / Allot
The workers are worrying a lot about their jobs. (adverb. – to a great degree/extent)
We were each allotted twenty tickets. (verb – to assign/distribute)
*Alot is not a word.
*
Punctuation Problems
QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED:
Punctuation inside or outside quotation marks?
Example:
“What will my starting salary be?” I asked the manager.
“Well,” he replied, “I’m not sure.”
Punctuation Problems
Comma or period?
We have begun the process, and it should be finished by May.
We have begun the process. It would be great if you could review the steps next week.
Both are correct.
Colon or semicolon?
“I have three favorite vacation places: Cancun, Ireland and California."
This is correct because “I have three favorite vacation places" is a complete sentence all by itself.
