Using the Reporting Process

Writers come from a perspective that is completely opposite from what readers want. All too often writers tend to write how they think. For example, they put background information at the top of their communication. They do this because they want to build a case before drawing conclusions. We believe we need to help the reader understand certain points before he or she can understand a request or recommendation. This is a natural response, everyone wants to do it, and yet it tends to be painful for the reader. Another example is that we can be hesitant to put our conclusions upfront. Instead, we want to persuade the reader first. Again, a natural thing to do from a writer’s perspective, but it’s still ineffective for the reader.

While there is nothing wrong with this approach as a way to think through an issue, it’s essential you make an effort not to use it in your business writing. Instead, you want to invert the thinking process to a reporting process by starting with the required actions and ending with the background information to support the action requested or what needs to get done. With this approach, you’ll find that a lot more happens at work.

By completing this course, you will:

Know how to use the reporting process when creating written communications