Formal Reports
Formal Reports have many different names, such as feasibility study, annual, investigative, research, and analytical report. They are written to inform about major projects like, research into new fields, possibly enter into a new field, or developments that occurred over the past year.
Formal reports include aids such as, table of contents, a list of figures, and an abstract (summary).
These reports run several hundred pages managers, decision-makers and experts will not read a whole report, so getting your point across is important in the summary.
Brainstorming and research is important to complete a formal report. An introduction, summary, abstract, conclusion, and recommendation also make up a formal report.
Formal Reports can take several months, lots of money, and can be worked together as a team to complete a report.
Revision is important to any written material; make sure you revise your draft several times before proposing it to any client or customer.
Informal Reports
Informal Reports are a lot less extensive in detail, than a formal report. A few paragraphs to a couple pages make up these types of reports, which are sent as memos, letters, and emails to clients and customers.
There are different types of informal reports such as trouble, investigative, progress, periodic, trip, and test reports.
The audience is smaller and more familiar with the subject in an informal report. The main idea should be clearly stated, so the reader can receive the message.
These means of communication are essential in every business aspect.
Formal Reports have many different names, such as feasibility study, annual, investigative, research, and analytical report. They are written to inform about major projects like, research into new fields, possibly enter into a new field, or developments that occurred over the past year.
Formal reports include aids such as, table of contents, a list of figures, and an abstract (summary).
These reports run several hundred pages managers, decision-makers and experts will not read a whole report, so getting your point across is important in the summary.
Brainstorming and research is important to complete a formal report. An introduction, summary, abstract, conclusion, and recommendation also make up a formal report.
Formal Reports can take several months, lots of money, and can be worked together as a team to complete a report.
Revision is important to any written material; make sure you revise your draft several times before proposing it to any client or customer.
Informal Reports
Informal Reports are a lot less extensive in detail, than a formal report. A few paragraphs to a couple pages make up these types of reports, which are sent as memos, letters, and emails to clients and customers.
There are different types of informal reports such as trouble, investigative, progress, periodic, trip, and test reports.
The audience is smaller and more familiar with the subject in an informal report. The main idea should be clearly stated, so the reader can receive the message.
These means of communication are essential in every business aspect.
- Oliu, Walter E., Charles T. Brusaw, and Gerald J. Alred. Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
As an accountant, I will work with both types of reports, so I can appreciate this blog. Every business professional must familiarize themselves with both types of reports if s/he is to be successful.
ReplyDeleteReally professional and informative post David. I didn't "word count" it but it does seem a bit longer than 250 just by eye-ing it. However, the way you have it laid out and organized makes it less intimidating and easier to grasp as far as concepts go. I bet if you typed in "writing formal reports" in Youtube you could find a short video you could post for this too. Over all, nice job :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michael on this one. As an HR professional I will also have to work with these types of reports. You did an excellent job in showcasing how to professionally write on this blog. Also I would take some of Ann-Marie's advice as well and add a short video, or another visual. Keep up the great work...
ReplyDeleteGood but more voice...put more you into your posts. What experience do you have writing reports for any of your classes?
ReplyDeleteI like the information you put forth, David. I was familiar with some of these "reports" but I never actually applied them in regards to their concept on paper. I just want to see more of your voice, David, come through! Good use of non text items!
ReplyDelete