FAQS

Writing an effective business report is an important part of communicating well as a business professional. A few key steps for writing business reports include:

1. Determine the purpose of the report - What are the important messages you are trying to convey?

2. Define and understand the audience for the report

3. Determine and follow a structure for your report

4. While writing the report, you typically should:

• utilize headings and subheadings
• use plain language (avoid professional jargon)
• write clearly and professionally
• use negative/white space wisely
• use appropriate fonts
• number your pages for ease of use
• use tables and figures only when it adds to the report and properly place these items into your report (does your instructor want you to follow APA guidelines?)

Please review the following resources for more information about writing professional business reports.

 Reports (section from The AMA Handbook of Business Writing)

 Creating a Good Report (chapter from How to Write Reports and Proposals)

 Instructions for defining the purpose of a report, assembling a report, and sample reports.